2013 ATP Another Success

March 14 2013  |   A.Adams  |  Uncategorized  |  Comment

Both the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and Texas International Produce Association are delighted with the 2013 event. The feedback we’ve received from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. We had nearly 350 attendees and over 40 exhibitors at the event. We can’t express enough our appreciation for the great speakers we had this year and to the exhibitors that participated in the new Expo component of the event. The attendees were engaged throughout the event.

Plans for 2014 are underway. Check the website often to learn more about the 2014 event, which is slated to be held in Southern Arizona.

The ATP 2013 Event is Shaping Up to be Bigger and Better than Ever

February 19 2013  |   A.Adams  |  News  |  Comment

MISSION, TX – Feb 7, 2013: The 2013 America Trades Produce Conference & Expo, scheduled for March 6-8, 2013 in McAllen, Texas is right around the corner and conference organizers predict it will be bigger and better than ever.

“We have a tremendously exciting lineup of speakers and topics, and we’ve generated some real interest in the produce expo, which is new this year.” said Bret Erickson, President of TIPA.  “As we hit the home stretch, it looks like we’re on pace for another successful event.

This is the 3rd annual ATP, a collaboration between the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) and the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA).  The event focuses on bringing together all sectors of the produce supply chain, with a special emphasis on US-Mexico relations.

This year’s ATP features a number of topics ranging from policy centered discussions to food safety analysis and  marketing panels.

“A Shared Border, A Shared Future: Improving Regulatory and Market Access Cooperation” and “The Powers that Be” will focus on the impact of a second term Obama Administration and a new Pena Nieto Administration.  The conference agenda also lists several panels including an inter-agency panel discussion between USDA-APHIS, FDA, and CBP, as well as a Food Safety table top exercise, a continuation and evolution of a similar exercise held last year in Nogales which got rave reviews from the audience.

Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA, said  “Once again we will bring together some of the top officials who matter to bilateral U.S.-Mexico trade, into an environment where industry can interact with these officials.”

High level government officials from both the US and Mexico will be in attendance and are slated to discuss important initiatives and collaborative efforts aimed at increasing trade between the two countries.

“Congressman Henry Cuellar is the invited keynote speaker on the final morning, and we’re very eager to hear the Congressman’s thoughts on key areas such as border security, immigration reform, and how the government intends to address the need for additional resources at the border in order to improve the flow of trade.”

Erickson explained that one of the new components of this year’s event is the addition of an expo focused on showcasing fresh in-season product from importers and domestic growers.  “We’re making a big push to have retailers come see the high quality products our folks have to offer.  We’re already seeing a commitment from a number of retailers and we know they’ll be pleased with what they see.”

“Our industry is experiencing tremendous growth, and there are certainly some growing pains that come with that. The 2013 ATP & Expo is an event that will stimulate the type of thinking and dialogue necessary to ensure that we can address industry issues and continue to be successful.” said Erickson.

Additional registration and conference information can be found at www.americatradesproduce.com.

America Trades Produce Conference 2013 – New Trade Expo, Food Safety Discussions Added to the Format

January 16 2013  |   A.Adams  |  News  |  Comments Off

The third annual America Trades Produce Conference is fast approaching, and promises to be as relevant as the two prior events.  Scheduled for March 6 – 8, 2013, at the McAllen, Texas Convention Center, this year the event committee has added a trade expo to the mix.  With the addition of a new and exciting EXPO event showcasing fresh in-season product, we are expecting an even stronger turnout this March.

As has been the trademark of the event, educational sessions will encourage direct dialogue between the industry and U.S. and Mexican government officials.

“Last year, we had top officials from FDA and SENASICA, including Mike Taylor and Octavio Carranza,” said John McClung, President of event co-host Texas International Produce Association. “We expect that some more details of the Food Safety Modernization Act will be public by March, and just how the new law will affect produce crossings at the border will be a major point of discussion.”

The event will also feature receptions and educational sessions on the expo floor in a new and exciting format. “Attendees will have the chance to view Mexican fruits and vegetables and learn a little bit at the same time,” McClung added.

This year’s conference will bring together individuals and organizations from throughout the produce supply chain and across international borders to discuss the industry’s hottest topics, political impact of the new administration in Mexico, and other critical topics.

“With the Pena Nieto Administration taking over the reins in Mexico, and potentially some new top leadership within the Obama Administration, we will have a session that gives a preview of how the industry can expect the governments to interact,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of event co-host Fresh Produce Association of the Americas. “With the Tomato War, immigration and various trade issues in the forefront, it is crucial that our governments work together.”

Attendees will include many U.S. and Mexican representatives, including grower/shippers, retailers, processors, allied industry representatives, and city, state, and federal government officials.

In addition the new expo and historically dynamic topic and speaker line-up attendees have come to expect, attendees can participate in a joint tour of the Pharr/Reynosa Port of Entry and the Quanta Lab facility.  Throughout the event, several industry awards will also be announced, including:  The Packer’s Importer of the Year, The Produce News Rising Star and the Produce Business Exporter of the Year award.

The event is co-hosted by the Texas International Produce Association and the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.

Visit www.americatradesproduce.com to learn more about the conference.

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The 2013 America Trades Produce Conference

July 4 2012  |   ATP Headquarters  |  News  |  Comments Off

The event is right around the corner! The 2013 America Trades Produce Conference (ATP) will be held in McAllen, Texas March 6 – 8, 2013. The 2013 Conference promises to be another amazing event.

  • The 2014 Conference

    The 2014 ATP Conference will be held in March 2014 in Southern Arizona.

  • Sponsorship and Expo Opportunities

    Sponsorship and Expo opportunities for the 2014 event are currently under development. Check back frequently to learn more!