International Fresh Produce Association Announces New Controlled Environment Agriculture Council; Abby Prior and Vonnie Estes Comment
WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - As retailer and consumer demand for year-round fresh produce steadily rises, so too does the need for innovation. Enter controlled environment agriculture (CEA) filled with untapped potential that will help meet this rising need. To explore opportunities available in the sector, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the formation of a new volunteer leadership council focused on CEA.
"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 Abby Prior, Chief Commercial Officer at BrightFarms and a volunteer leader for the council. "I'm looking forward to working with other leaders in the industry to collaborate and build the strength of our segment within the industry."
As farmers know, obstacles such as unpredictable field conditions caused by weather, pests, and more can create uncertainty when it comes to each crop's season and impact the volume and quality of produce reaching consumers, a release noted. Through CEA, growers are able to both customize the environment for each plant while removing the stress of pests and disease, and therefore the need for secondary products to minimize threats.
"CEA allows breeders to shift their focus toward discovering new crops and developing the traits in new or current crops that allow for longer shelf life along with improved flavor and nutrition," commented Vonnie Estes, President of Agfood Tech Innovation and IFPA Staff Liaison. "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.
Those interested in joining this new council can find more information here.
With a focus now on CEA, what developments will IFPA help spur in the sector? Keep reading AndNowUKnow for answers.
