WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - A collaboration between the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) and the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center has come to order. Both organizations have teamed up to create a more equitable and sustainable food system in the Mississippi region.
“IFPA seeks to create a vibrant future for all,” shared IFPA Chief Education and Program Officer, Doug Bohr, who will play a role in the Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center. “One of the ways we will do so is by supporting equitable and inclusive business practices that leverage the full and rich diversity of our industry, drive members’ business performance, and increase consumer access and consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.”
The Delta Regional Food Business Center, which is led by the Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities, is one of 12 such centers that received support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The goal of offering this support is to create a more equitable and sustainable food system in the region by providing historically underserved, socially disadvantaged farmers and business owners with the coordination, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources necessary to build a thriving business and supply chain.
In its role as a project collaborator, IFPA will focus on its three core activities: advocate, connect, and guide. As noted in the release, the association will seek to boost the project by providing evidence-based, informed action on behalf of project stakeholders, members, and the industry. IFPA will share research, knowledge, and subject matter expertise to help members identify solutions and adopt best practices in food safety, technology, supply chain management, sustainability, talent development, business operations, and marketing.
“IFPA is grateful to the Mississippi Delta Council for Farm Worker Opportunities and its Delta USDA Regional Food Business Center partners and to the USDA, Under Secretary Moffitt, and Secretary Vilsack for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful work,” Bohr added. “We recognize that significant public and private resources have and will be invested in this and other Regional Food Business Centers. We are looking forward to our role in advancing this important work.”
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ANUK will keep an eye on the matter, so stay tuned.
