Oct 13, 2015

PMA Fresh Summit sessions to address global trade

Because global trade is an important area of focus for the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) members, nearly a dozen global trade experts from the fresh produce, agriculture and trade industries will convene for two education sessions at PMA’s Fresh Summit in Atlanta, Georgia, Oct. 23-25. Representatives from the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the Port of Los Angeles, Northwest Horticultural Council, Maersk, and Camposol will address conference attendees on Friday, October 23, to discuss international trade agreements, as well as shipping challenges.

The first global trade-session, starting at 12:45 p.m. on Friday, will highlight key trade agreements under negotiation such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). The second of the sessions will look at issues impacting maritime shipping. To start the session, economist Andriy Yarmak from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations will explore key global markets and trends that will impact ocean transportation in the coming years. This will be followed by a panel discussion with leaders engaged in the maritime transport industry and fresh produce who will explore opportunities, challenges, and strategies for overcoming disruptors.

“More and more produce moves across international frontiers. Those in our business from all exporting and importing countries — whether growers, packers, marketers, or  buyers — need to know the rules of the game, rules that are largely negotiated between governments,” said Christian Schlect, president of Northwest Horticultural Council and a panelist in the trade agreements session.

For more information on all of the education workshops at this year’s Fresh Summit, visit the show’s educational web page.