Some 12 members of the United Fresh Produce Association’s annual Produce Industry Leadership class have been visiting the fruit-growing regions of Chile.
The trip, courtesy of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (CFFA), marks one of four such educational trips to be organised by United Fresh this year.
The group of US produce industry professionals toured orchards, packing houses, exporters’ offices, an inspection site, and the Port of Valparaiso, in addition to being treated to legendary Chilean hospitality.
Participants included: Jeffrey Oberman (United Fresh), Mark DeCosta (Costco Wholesale), Sheridan Silver (Mann Packing), Suniti Moudgil (DuPont Crop Protection), Mike Muir (Muir Copper Canyon Farms), Shannon Kyle (Torrey Farms) and Megan Chedwick (Church Brothers).
As well as: Craig Cahill (Allen Lund Company), Joe Cimino (Pro*Act), Brian Jenny (Naturipe Farms), Shannon Young (United Fresh Produce Association), Sam Stewart (WES Pak Sales), Beth Bland Oleson (Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association) and Fernando Balart (Asoex).
“These educational tours let the next generation of produce professionals see first-hand the breadth and sophistication of Chile's agricultural sector,” said Tom Tjerandsen, North American managing director of CFFA, in a press release.
“Stops along the way, whether orchard fields or port facilities, help reinforce our safety practices and demonstrate our commitment to provide high-quality fruit to our customers in North America and beyond.”
The Produce Industry Leadership scheme was launched in 1995 to provide promising young produce professionals with an opportunity to advance their knowledge and leadership skills.
The programme is made possible through a grant from DuPont Crop Protection.
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