NEWARK, DE - As the fresh produce and floral industry continues to rely increasingly on technology, the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has tapped an experienced new Vice President of Technology, Vonnie Estes, who will start October 1.

“I look forward to bringing the expertise and skills I’ve developed working for individual companies in the technology space to bear to help PMA’s members across the supply chain and around the world,” said Estes. “Together, we can help capitalize on the opportunities and minimize the challenges of adopting tech. My personal passions for agriculture and sustainability mesh perfectly with PMA’s mission to connect, inform, and deliver industry solutions to enhance members’ prosperity—in a way that sustains both people and the planet.”

In her new role, Estes will help PMA members to gain greater awareness and understanding of emerging science and technologies—particularly science and tech related to labor, food safety, and sustainability, according to a press release. She joins PMA’s Science & Technology team, which is led by Chief Science & Technology Officer Bob Whitaker, Ph.D.

Estes has been longtime member of the produce technology field and has been an independent business consultant focused on guiding clients toward realizing value from new technologies since 2015. Previously, Estes held technology leadership roles at companies including DuPont, Monsanto and Syngenta, as well as for small start-ups and venture funds. Most recently, she was Vice President of Business Development for Caribou Biosciences, a biotechnology company specializing in CRISPR Cas9 genome engineering.

“As technology continues to influence all aspects of the produce and floral supply chains, it made sense to add an expert of Vonnie’s caliber to our team to provide deeper value to PMA members and industry,” said CEO Cathy Burns. “Her expertise and insights will help our global community better understand how to leverage current and emerging technologies to grow their businesses, and ultimately grow a healthier world.”

Estes has built a reputation for getting things done throughout her career, noted PMA Chief Science & Technology Officer Bob Whitaker, Ph.D., in a press release. The two have known each other since they worked together at DNA Plant Technologies early in her career; she was marketing manager, and he led research and development.

“This is an exciting time for our industry,” added Whitaker. “Technology development is exploding across our industry, and we have a unique opportunity to help our members become aware of these opportunities and evaluate the value emerging technologies can have for their businesses.”

Congratulations to Vonnie Estes on this prestigious role in produce technology with PMA from all of as at AndNowUKnow.

Produce Marketing Association