UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Students from high school to post-graduate status can attend functions at the "2001 Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention" free of charge, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey.

"This is a unique opportunity for anyone considering a career in fruits and vegetables," says Peter Ferretti, vegetable speakers chair and professor of vegetable crops in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. "Students should identify themselves at the registration desk where they will receive an official program."

According to Ferretti, the educational program is one of the most extensive ever planned and offers topics of interest to virtually every grower, university employee or student in edible horticulture or floriculture in the state. "Also unique is that we mostly use out-of-state professionals, university faculty and staff, and top growers as speakers and panelists," Ferretti says. "Typically people hear only from Penn State personnel at our multi-county and state cooperative extension meetings and tours."

The convention will feature 44 concurrent speaker sessions, over 130 trade show exhibitors, a Wednesday evening ice cream social and more.

Professionals and others interested in officially registering for the convention, Annual Grower Dinner and Tomato Awards Luncheon can register in advance or at the door. For more information, call the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association at (717) 694-3596.

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EDITORS: Contact Pete Ferretti at 814-863-2313.

Contacts: Kim Dionis KDionis@psu.edu 814-863-2703 814-865-1068 fax