2026 Georgia Seafood Summit
We know that the seafood industry can be uniquely complex. Navigating regulations and a global market all while trying to stay on top of the fast-paced changes of consumer preference can be daunting for any business. That’s why Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant is teaming up with Georgia Grown to host the Georgia Seafood Summit, bringing you knowledgeable speakers and a space to network with folks that know the seafood industry.
Join us February 24, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Georgia Grown Resource Center in Metter, Georgia.
- Learn about new trends and technologies
- Learn how recent regulation updates apply to seafood
- Network with seafood producers, processors and industry service providers
Speaker Highlights:
- Real Life Lessons Learned from a Ready-to-Eat Processor – Michael DeGasser, NEMA (New England Marine Atlanta) Seafood
- Unlocking Food Safety and Quality with High Pressure Processing – Jenny Tuggle, Universal Pure
- Intentional Adulteration Rule and Emergency Management Panel – Vanessa Sims, Georgia Department of Agriculture
Throughout the day, attendees will hear from speakers and participate in sessions designed to help them develop practical solutions for meeting Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements, including the traceability rule, while strengthening resilient supply chains through cooperative relationships across the state and region. Lunch will be included!
Georgia Grown Social
Georgia Grown is hosting a free networking social on Tuesday, Feb. 24, following the Georgia Seafood Summit, and all are welcome to attend. The evening will bring together Georgia Grown members, industry stakeholders, and community leaders for a relaxed opportunity to connect, share stories, continue conversations from the summit and build new relationships. The free event takes place from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at Ogeechee Technical College’s Jack Hill Atrium in Statesboro and will feature light hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages provided by Statesboro Magazine. Attendance at the Seafood Summit is not a pre-requisite. However, advanced RSVP is requested by everyone including summit participants. The RSVP form closes Monday, Feb. 16.
Details
Georgia Seafood Summit
Feb. 24, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m
Georgia Grown Resource Center
(formerly Innovation Center)
25 S. Terrell St, Metter, GA
*Registration closes Feb. 17
Georgia Grown Social
Feb. 24, 2026 | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
(Free networking event)
Ogeechee Technical College
Jack Hill Atrium
1 Joe Kennedy Blvd, Statesboro, GA
Sanitation Control Procedures Training
Feb. 25, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Georgia Grown Resource Center
25 S. Terrell St, Metter, GA
Extend Your Learning with Sanitation Control Procedures Training
Looking for additional professional development? Stay an extra day and take the Sanitation Control Procedures (SCP) course on Feb. 25, and receive a certificate of completion from the Association of Food and Drug Officials. Designed by the Seafood HACCP Alliance, this course complements Seafood HACCP training, but it’s relevant for any food processing establishment, not just seafood operations. SCP covers eight critical areas of sanitation, including preventing cross-contamination and cross-contact, handling toxic compounds safely, protecting food from adulterants and pests, and managing employee health concerns. Participants will also gain practical skills in developing sanitation monitoring procedures, a valuable tool for food production managers looking to strengthen food safety practices and meet FDA FSMA requirements.
Registration
Georgia Seafood Summit on Feb. 24: Free! (Registration closes Feb. 17)
Sanitation Control Procedures (Optional, Feb. 25): $130 (includes course materials and certification fee)
Questions about the event? Contact Erin Arneson Purvis at erin.arneson@uga.edu
Event Agenda
Venue and Accommodations
The Georgia Seafood Summit and Sanitation Control Procedures will take place at the Georgia Grown Resource Center (25 S. Terrell St., Metter, GA 30439). Lodging is available at the group rates through the link below:
Hampton Inn Statesboro
Guests are responsible for making their hotel reservations and paying for their own room, tax, and incidental charges.
The cut-off date to make reservations under the group rate is January 25, 2026.
Sponsorship
Georgia Grown is the primary sponsor of this event.
If you are interested in learning more about additional sponsorship opportunities, email heidi.jeffers@agr.georgia.gov.