The Missouri State University William H. Darr School of Agriculture, along with the University of Missouri Extension, Lincoln University and Missouri Department of Agriculture, are proud to present the Agritourism – Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference. The conference will be held Feb. 15-17 at the Country Club Hotel and Spa in Lake Ozark, Mo.

With a new central location, this year’s conference will feature diversified topics, dynamic speakers, a bus tour and an expanded trade show.

“For the first time, the Missouri Agritourism Conference and the 30th annual Small Fruit and Vegetable Conference have teamed together for this event, and the focus will be on marketing,” said Pamela Mayer, library associate at Missouri State’s school of agriculture.  “This conference is for everyone with an interest in exploring new ways of growing and marketing to make their small farm more productive.”

The event begins Monday with a choice of two bus tours: one guided by Jim Quinn, horticulture specialist from the University of Missouri Outreach Extension; and the other guided by Tony Anderson and Sarah Gehring, both from the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Tuesday and Wednesday’s conference sessions will include discussions on blueberries, strawberries and brambles, vegetables, agritourism, and internet and library resources for developing marketing programs.

Registration for the conference costs $50 per individual or $75 per farm or family, and includes admission into all sessions. Registration materials can be found at http://mtngrv.missouristate.edu/assets/commercial/regform.pdf. Monday’s bus tours cost $40 per person.

Attendees may pre-register for the conference by mailing registration and fees by Feb. 8, to the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Business Development Division, PO Box 630, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102. Pre-registration for the bus tour is required and must be received by Feb. 9. Walk-ins are welcome for the conference sessions with registration beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday