Leaders from USDA, Produce Industry Headline Sustainability Conference to Follow United Fresh 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United Fresh Foundation’s Center for Global Produce Sustainability will host an exploration of the increasingly important topic of sustainability in the produce industry on Friday, April 23, immediately following the United Fresh 2010 convention and expo in Las Vegas. The Global Conference on Produce Sustainability will provide attendees first with a baseline definition of sustainability, then with a comprehensive understanding of how this important issue is affecting the produce industry, and finally how attendees can use advances in sustainable practices to increase the profitability of their businesses.

“The issue of sustainability has become a key topic for many retailers and consumers alike, and has begun to draw increased media attention,” said Rob Neenan, vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability for United Fresh. “While some in the industry are developing their own sustainability programs, many firms remain uncertain as to what it means to be sustainable, how sustainability can be measured, and how implementing a sustainability program may add tangible value to their business. The purpose of this conference is to address those questions, to provide examples of companies that are successfully pursuing sustainable practices, and to explore how these practices can lead to higher profits.”

Highlights of the Friday conference include presentations from:

·         USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics, Dr. Molly Jahn. Dr. Jahn will discuss the increasing attention that USDA is focusing on environmental issues, including sustainability.

·         Dr.  Jeff Dlott, president of SureHarvest. Dr. Dlott has been working with growers and processors for many years regarding sustainability issues and will share his experiences as to why sustainability matters and why United’s members should consider focusing on this issue in the future.

·         Deverl Maserang, vice president of North American product supply and logistics for Chiquita Fresh. Maserang will explore Chiquita’s ongoing global sustainability programs and how they have benefitted the corporate financial bottom line.

Additional sessions and speakers include:

 
“Attendees to the conference will have the opportunity to hear from some of the leading experts regarding agricultural sustainability and gain insight in to why sustainability matters and how sustainability can be accurately measured and fairly reported to stakeholders,” continued Neenan.