NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - As our industry continues to seek out new innovations, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is looking to help solutions providers make their entry into the fresh produce space. The organization recently launched the Fresh Field Catalyst, an accelerator program designed for international technology aces with an interest in entering the global produce market.

“As we move toward system-wide interoperability, technology is becoming more universal and adaptive to multiple industries,” said IFPA Vice President of Innovation Vonnie Estes. “Many solutions to our industry challenges may already exist, but the creators aren’t aware of the potential our industry holds for both growth and impact. The accelerator is like building a superhighway directly into our industry for global potential partners.”

The six-month program was designed for global start-up, scale-up, and corporate companies interested in entering the produce market. The program is designed to introduce companies to the industry, connect them with mentors and leaders, and provide them with an immersion program to help them integrate into the fresh produce and floral industry, according to a press release.

“The produce industry extends into every community across the globe and growing access and consumption is critical to global public health,” said Program Mentor Jan DeLyser, who serves as Vice President of Marketing at California Avocado Commission. “There is huge potential for those companies looking to enter the industry. There are few other opportunities that provide so much promise for both individual companies and the world.”

The Fresh Field Catalyst program will include field and corporate visits for accelerator participants, virtual meet-ups with industry experts across the supply chain, one-on-one mentoring, and access to IFPA resources.

IFPA resources include assets such as proprietary research and analytics; support to translate technology to agriculture or the U.S. market; and shared exhibit space with other accelerator members at the Global Produce and Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, in October.

“Sometimes innovative technologies are proven and mature in other industries, but they are not yet suitable for the produce industry,” said program mentor Scott Komar, Senior Vice President, Global Research and Development at Driscoll’s. “In these cases, it’s necessary to adapt and apply existing technologies in significant new ways. The Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator seems like a great approach to fast-tracking the process of partnering and entering our market. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those solution providers looking to scale their business while minimizing risk.”

To learn more about the accelerator program or if you are an industry member interested in participating as a resource or sponsor, click here.

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International Fresh Produce Association