TUCSON, AZ - Are you ready for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas' (FPAA) SouthWest International Produce Expo (SWIPE)? The finishing touches have been put on the education sessions, and during the Friday education sessions, Robert “Kip” Martin of Coogan & Martin, PC will be honored as a Pillar of the FPAA.

“We are so excited to be honoring Kip Martin this year,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President. “Anyone that knows Kip knows that his legal mind and his understanding of the intricacies of the produce industry and international trade are invaluable. There are countless people in the produce industry that have benefitted from Kip’s expertise as both their legal counsel and as the legal counsel helping guide the FPAA for more than two decades.”

The Pillar of the FPAA award highlights the important contributions of an individual in helping shape and strengthen the produce industry over their career, a release explained. Recent honorees include James and Sylvia Chamberlain in 2017, Rosie Cornelius in 2018, Chuck Ciruli Jr. in 2019, Walter Ram in 2021, William “Bill” Sykes in 2022, and Emilia Gotsis in 2023.

The FPAA will have a diverse lineup of buyers, sellers, and other industry experts to bring into conversation on how to best talk about ways that women are impacting the produce industry more and more, how buyers and sellers can work together to meet changing demographic needs of consumers, planning for and mitigating supply chain disruptions, as well as trade and election updates.

The FPAA will also feature a Speaker’s Corner of panels that will take place during the expo on the afternoon of November 8. Each session offers unique opportunities for attendees to learn from industry experts and gain valuable insights for their businesses.

FPAA encourages attendees to finalize their travel plans, register for the event, and get ready for this southwest experience!

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