Aug 24, 2015
PMA Fresh Connections Southern Africa draws a large crowd

A record number of attendees gathered in Cape Town, South Africa for the 5th PMA Fresh Connections Southern Africa Conference & Expo on Aug. 12-13. The event, one in a series of PMA international conferences, attracted more than 500 delegates from across southern Africa and the global fresh produce supply chain.

Attendees heard from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden, who led a session titled ‘A World of Trade Opportunities’, timed perfectly to address implementation of the recent 10-year renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), the primary trade agreement between the U.S. and Africa.

“As we deal with the challenge of an aging population of farmers and ranchers in the United States and around the world, we will need an all hands on deck approach. The next generation of those who are willing to take up this extraordinary calling will be more diverse than ever before,” said U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. “Farmers and agricultural professionals, including PMA members, feel a strong sense of responsibility to make sure that there are the tools, resources and mentors there for all people who want to come back to a family farm or start a new farm business. The future of food, fuel and fiber, and the future of our nations, depends upon it.”

The Honorable Senzeni Zokwana, South Africa Minister of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), kicked off the first day of the conference by encouraging delegates to engage with DAFF to grow South Africa’s agriculture sector, especially exports.

“PMA members around the world care deeply about trade and the opportunities for creating business connections. This event highlighted multiple pillars of PMA priorities, including Issues Leadership, Talent Development and Global Connections,” says Richard Owen, vice president of global business development for PMA. “These Fresh Connections events offer personalized settings for our members to connect – both with each other and with government decision makers.”

A full recap of the education sessions will available on PMA’s website in the coming weeks.




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