Pharr Bridge holds 10th annual Start of the Produce Season celebration

John Groh, publisher

October 14, 2022

PHARR, TX — What started as a simple idea in October 2013 to mark the start of the Mexican produce season has blossomed into a full-fledged celebration of one of the most important points of crossing for fresh fruits and vegetables into the United States from Mexico.

On Oct. 6, members of the Rio Grande Valley produce industry joined Pharr International Bridge officials and state and local politicians to commemorate the 10th year of the Start of the Produce Season event held at the Pharr International Bridge, here.

A Start of the Produce Season display at the Oct. 6 celebration at Pharr International Bridge.

Texas state Sen. Juan (Chuy) Hinojosa addressed attendees and spoke of the importance of the produce trade to the area economy.

Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, said the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘A Taste of Trade,’ demonstrated the importance of the Pharr Bridge and produce imports from Mexico.

Pharr Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez said the city is committed to helping industry with improvements in infrastructure, including the addition of a new span.

The Start of the Produce Season ceremony eschews a traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony in favor of a fruit-cutting ceremony.

Dozens of people attended the Start of the Produce Season event Oct. 6 at Pharr International Bridge, marking the largest turnout since it was begun 10 years ago.

Luis Bazan, director of the Pharr International Bridge, is interviewed by local Rio Grande Valley news outlets at the conclusion of his presentation.

John Groh

About John Groh |

John Groh graduated from the University of San Diego in 1989 with a bachelors of arts degree in English. Following a brief stint as a sportswriter covering the New York Giants football team, he joined The Produce News in 1995 as an assistant editor and worked his way up the ranks, becoming publisher in 2006. He and his wife, Mary Anne, live in northern New Jersey in the suburbs of New York City.