A powerful lineup of prominent speakers promises to inspire and inform attendees at the 2024 Global Produce and Floral Show, organized by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA).
The event, which will be held from October 17 to 19 in Atlanta, Georgia, will offer attendees exclusive insights into the future of the produce and floral industry and the positive impact of female leadership.
Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA, shared details of the major event in the fresh produce industry with Abasto Media.
“The Global Produce and Floral Show is a time to celebrate, reflect, and revitalize ourselves for the year ahead. This year, we will celebrate the great collaboration among our members—especially our global network of volunteers—who unite our industry to provide value to our supply chain and consumers and to make our voices heard on our top priorities,” said Burns.
2024 Global Produce and Floral Show Highlights
Burns highlighted a significant milestone: the participation of the first 100 farmers benefiting from the USDA’s $15 million Climate Smart pilot program.
“Our industry faces significant impacts from extreme weather conditions and climate change, and we are constantly being asked to rethink how, where, and when we grow. This type of investment is crucial for our industry to use innovation to reduce costs and increase product yields,” Burns explained.
Despite the challenges the agricultural industry faces due to rising input costs, labor shortages, and new and extensive packaging regulations, among other issues, Burns acknowledged that the IFPA must reach 2025 with the certainty that it is part of the solution to many of these challenges. However, it must play a role in defining priorities rather than settling for what others decide.
Regarding the Global Produce and Floral Show celebration in October, Burns said they expect to exceed expectations: “We’ll be in Atlanta for the first time in many years, and we’re very excited to welcome everyone to the biggest event of the year in the industry. We will have a major focus on innovation, including new products, technologies, and solutions, and we will also hear from the world’s top business leaders about how they found success and reached the top of their industries.”
Top-Notch Speakers
A distinguished group of speakers promises to inspire and inform attendees on key aspects of the industry.
“We will hear from Rodney McMullen, CEO of Kroger, and welcome Netflix co-founder and CEO Marc Randolph. This is also an election year, so we’ll have A.B. Stoddard, columnist for The Bulwark, to share her insights. This year, we will also see our women’s breakfast session join the All Access Pass lineup, featuring Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First,” Burns said.
The CEO of the International Fresh Produce Association also offered Abasto a preview of her State of the Industry report.
“Yes, the 2024 State of the Industry will be presented during the morning session on Thursday, October 17 at 8:30 a.m. While the presentation is still in development, I’m sure it will explore opportunities for our industry in technology and innovation, sustainability, talent attraction, workforce development, consumer trends, advocacy, and much more.”
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Recognizing Hispanics in the Agricultural Industry
Through Abasto, Burns joined the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a message to this community that has played a crucial role in the success of the U.S. agricultural industry.
“I’m thrilled that we are celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month together in Atlanta as we kick off this year’s Global Produce and Floral Show. The Global Show is indeed the meeting point for our industry and a fitting place to celebrate the many communities that make up our great industry. Hispanic members of our industry are represented throughout our supply chain, bringing passion and dedication to growing our farming practices and serving their communities at all levels of retail.
“I cannot quantify the influence and impact the Hispanic community has had on U.S. agriculture, but I also believe it’s important to recognize the Hispanic consumer. This demographic is growing rapidly, and for these consumers to connect with our products, they seek to meet their needs with flavor, variety, options, and consumer technology. The best way to serve our consumers is to ensure they are represented in our industry. I want to thank this great community and invite them to join us in Atlanta for the Global Produce and Floral Showfrom October 17 to 19.”