STRASBURG, Colo. — Representatives from the Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (CFVGA) have returned from the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit, held Oct. 19-20, in New Orleans, La., where they had an opportunity to put the merits of Colorado produce before more than 20,000 attendees from approximately 65 countries. The event, the largest of its kind in the Western hemisphere, also allowed the CFVGA delegation to check out more than 1000 exhibitors showcasing new products, trends and innovations in the produce industry and to attend sessions on marketing strategies, food safety and new technologies.
Attending from CFVGA were Adrian Card, CFVGA founding board member from Colorado State University Extension, Boulder County, Jennifer Lamb Rogers, Holland & Hart and a CFVGA board member and Amber Strohauer, Strohauer Farms, LaSalle, Colo. The CFVGA booth was part of the Colorado Pavilion, which was organized by the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA). CFVGA received partial funding for the event from the U.S. Specialty Crops Block Grant, administered by CDA.
“I calculated the exhibition area at 15 acres,” said Card. We had an opportunity to talk to dozens of domestic and foreign potential buyers about Colorado produce.”
Card added that in addition to the marketing opportunities, participants saw new products and were introduced to new marketing information. “It is important that we stay current with innovation in the industry and that we also continue to promote Colorado produce to buyers as a high-quality product.”
The CFVGA is comprised of more than 250 members, including growers of all sizes and types of production throughout the state, as well as representatives of allied industries. The CFVGA focuses on issues affecting the entire industry, including labor, water, food safety, nutrition, and business development.
— Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
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