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Passion for Produce draws record number of participants

Since its introduction in 2010, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Passion for Produce has drawn scores of young members of the produce industry to a unique mentoring program, and the 2015 program to be held at the 90th annual convention and trade show in Montreal boasts a new milestone in PFP attendance.

According to CPMA President Ron Lemaire, 19 “rising stars” in the industry will take part in this year’s mentoring program.

PFP was created as an “added value” to the association’s membership, giving young industry members an opportunity to fast-track their career development during the convention mentoring segment.

Lemaire said the 2015 “class” has representatives from leading companies in the produce industry, and he noted the fast-paced convention setting will provide the participants with both networking and targeted experiential learning.

Over the course of the convention and trade show, the 19 participants will partner with their mentors for “off-site tours, interactive sessions, networking events and more to learn all they can about the fresh produce industry in Canada.”

The first-hand experience, along with one-on-one discussions and important networking not only provides a better understanding of the industry itself but also helps develop relationships that will remain with the participants throughout their careers.

This year’s field of PFP participants consists of Gregory Bass, Metro Richelieu Inc.; Lynda Dick, Red Sun Farms;  Peter Duckett, Loblaw; Sarah Friesen, Vineland Growers Co-operative Ltd.; Jack C. Hall, The Giumarra Cos.; Allen Hoang, Westmoreland Sales; Pierre Landry, QPMA Internship/Sobeys; Lex (Barry) Lexchin, Richard E. Ryan & Associates Ltd.; Fiona McLean, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers; Justin Meilleur, Del Monte Fresh Produce Canada Inc.; Dorothy Redick, First Fruits Marketing of Washington LLC; Michael Rojas of AMC Direct Inc.; Susan Sipos, Nova Agri Inc.; Bryson Slade, Martin’s Produce Sales; Michael Sousa, Mann Packing Co. Inc.; Jean-Luc Talbot, Metro Richelieu Inc.; Rhaymond Tuazon, Fresh Direct Produce Ltd.; Ryan Thomas, Markon Cooperative; and Joel Veri, Exeter Produce.

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