Washington, D.C. and Newark, DE. – International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 has announced the formation of a new volunteer leadership council focused on Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). The council will focus on opportunities available within the growing market and will be led by volunteer leader, Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer at Bright Farms and IFPA staff liaison Vonnie Estes Vice President of Agfood Tech Innovation.
“Controlled environment agriculture is not only a market with incredible business potential but also is a sustainable solution to meet the demand for fresh produce year-round,” said Prior. “I’m looking forward to working with other leaders in the industry to collaborate and build the strength of our segment within the industry.”
Currently, farmers contend with unpredictable field conditions caused by weather, pests, and more. CEA allows us not only to customize the environment for the plant, removing the stress of pests and disease and also the need for secondary products used to eliminate these threats.
“CEA allows breeders to shift their focus towards discovering new crops and developing the traits in new or current crops that allow for longer shelf life along with improved, flavor and nutrition,” said Estes. “Any opportunity to grow consumption and remove barriers to access and preference for fresh produce is a critical segment for our industry. I look forward to working alongside our industry volunteers as we explore and learn more about this new market.”
Estes will be leading panels at the upcoming Washington Conference held from September 26-28 and The Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida from October 27-29.
IFPA will open applications for volunteer opportunities this fall. Those interested in joining the council can find more information at on the IFPA volunteer opportunity website.
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)?is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to?take action?with purpose and confidence.? While IFPA is built on the legacy of United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, it is not just a combination. It is transformational. Recognizing the industry required an even more powerful and unified voice, the leaders of the former United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association chose not to merge, but rather to create an entirely new organization to supersede their organizations, effective January 1, 2022.
