East Texas Fruit, Nut & Vegetable Conference

TYLER, Texas — Landowners, gardeners, and agricultural producers across East Texas are invited to attend the 2026 East Texas Fruit, Nut & Vegetable Conference on Friday, February 20, 2026, hosted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in partnership with Prairie View A&M Extension and the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center.

The half-day educational event will be held at St. Louis Baptist Church, located at 4000 Frankston Highway in Tyler. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., and the program will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

This year’s conference features a strong lineup of expert-led sessions designed to support both new and experienced growers. Dr. Greg Grant, Smith County Extension Agent for Horticulture, will kick off the morning with “Summer Success with Southern Peas.” At 9:00 a.m., Bob Whitney, AgriLife Extension Organic Program Specialist, will present “Pecan Production for Homeowners & Small Orchards.”

Following a brief break, participants will hear from Michael Cook, Viticulture Program Specialist, who will discuss “Growing Grapes Organically.” The program will conclude with “Specialty and Uncommon Fruits,” led by Dr. Tim Hartmann, AgriLife Extension Horticultural Sciences Specialist.

Pre-registration is $20 online or $30 onsite, with credit and debit cards accepted. A convenient registration link and QR code are available online. https://pci.jotform.com/form/253487081484061

This annual conference offers practical, research‑based guidance to help East Texans improve crop production and explore new specialty crop opportunities.

For more information, call (903) 590-2980.