NOGALES, AZ - The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) in conjunction with Southwest Folklife Alliance, a nonprofit folk arts organization, and the University of Arizona are working together on a new oral history project, The Crossroads of Confianza: A Study of The Fresh Produce Industry in Nogales, Arizona.

“This will be an asset for the whole community as, it helps us understand how Nogales has developed into the city that we know today,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of FPAA.

This initiative is being conducted by Occupational Folklorist, Nic Hartman, who will be collecting stories of the produce industry in Nogales. Hartman shared that these stories will become part of a collection of occupational studies that include Idaho firefighters, New York tugboat captains and Vermont farmers. According to a press release, eventually, the results of the project will be part of the Library of Congress, and will become part of the nation’s rich history. 

“I also believe that understanding the past of the produce industry, examining its roots and knowing the key elements and stories behind this fascinating business have great benefits for us now and for the future members,” continued Jungmeyer. 

Jungmeyer and the FPAA believe that this history project will both build and strengthen emotional attachments to the operations that power us to make positive changes, also sharing that he thinks this will be an opportunity to continue to demonstrate the importance of this industry in the community. 

The assemblage of stories will be conducted via personal interviews, the FPAA says. Hartman encourages anyone interested in participating to contact him by phone at (812) 457-6467, or by email at [email protected]. 

FPAA Southwest Folklife Alliance