10 Mar 2024 Vendors were ‘Loving LIFE’ at Arkansas Department of Agriculture Event

Posted at 8:19 PMh in News by

More than 500 people attended the 2024 Arkansas Grown Conference and Expo on January 25-27 in Hot Springs. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture partnered with several agricultural associations and organizations to host the event.

Krystel Bryant (from left), Beth Moore of Arkansas Grown and Petrice Hameth stand in the Buttered by HER booth. The company specializes in homemade skin care products.

The conference was open to anyone interested in the state’s agriculture industry and focused on farmers who grow for the local food system. The three-day event consisted of general sessions with keynote speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, and a vendor trade show with representatives from more than 120 businesses and organizations. 

The conference concluded with the first-ever Arkansas Grown & Arkansas Made Showcase, connecting members with retailers, wholesale buyers and the general public. “This event served as an excellent opportunity for our farmers to connect with each other and with organizations that provide resources and opportunities that support our state’s largest industry,” said Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. 

Partner organizations included the Arkansas State Horticulture Society, Arkansas Farmers Market Association, Arkansas Blackberry Growers Association, Arkansas Agritourism Association, Arkansas Association of Grape Growers, Arkansas Pecan Growers Association, Mid America Strawberry Growers Association, Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts, Arkansas Farm Bureau and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.