Central Florida – The Florida Department of Agriculture along with Seald Sweet International and several other Florida produce growers sponsored a Fresh from Florida two day farm tour for a group of the US Department of Defense commissary produce managers in mid March, 2011. The commodity line-up from sponsoring companies included fresh citrus from Seald Sweet, strawberries from Astin Strawberry Exchange, potatoes from Mack Farms, blueberries and grape tomatoes from Clear Springs and mushrooms from Monterrey Mushrooms’ Florida facility.
The main goals of the event were to educate the DeCA (Defense Commissary Agency) commissary produce managers of the versatility and benefits of fresh produce from Florida and to develop relations between the group and the Florida Department of Agriculture’s new administration. The tour also provided a first-hand view of the state’s crops after two recent severe freezes, showing the resilience and fortitude of Florida’s agriculture industry.
“Florida has an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables available year round, and through this tour, our growers were able to demonstrate the quality and quantity of our state’s crops,” said Shannon Shepp, Deputy Commissioner from the Florida Department of Agriculture. “We are proud to have the opportunity to provide these healthy, nutritious fruits and vegetables to the brave men and women of our armed services and their families.”
Also in attendance were several members of Military Produce Group, the organization who handles procurement of produce for the eastern US DeCA commissaries. “We are long-time supporters of Florida Agriculture and are pleased to have this event which shows first-hand the support of the Florida Department of Agriculture and our suppliers,” said Randy Brittain of Military Produce Group. “I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to participate in several tours like this in the past and it was a very impactful experience, filled with useful product knowledge.”
As an organizing sponsor of the event, Seald Sweet International also recognized the benefits of the tour, not only for the attending buyers but also for the suppliers involved. “We are excited to have this opportunity to educate and develop understanding of the processes involved in growing and delivering fresh produce, ‘from seed to fork’,” says Kim Flores of Seald Sweet. “Transversely, this group of produce buyers and merchandisers are in the retail trenches daily, working with consumers. They educate us as well on how to better meet consumer’s needs and demands.”
Source: Seald Sweet International
