It’s been 75 years since the forerunner of the Fresh Produce Association of Americas was established in Nogales, AZ, in 1944.
This anniversary will be celebrated Nov. 7-9 at the beautiful Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, at the association’s 51st Nogales Produce Convention & Golf Tournament.
Lance Jungmeyer at last year's FPAA produce convention.
The FPAA said the convention committee “has planned a number of events which will give you the opportunity to meet and network with those involved in the produce industry. Over the last several years we’ve had well over 800 attendees, including buyers, growers, distributors and allied industry partners.”
Based on feedback, FPAA is offering a two-man scramble golf tournament format. "We are maintaining our traditional two-day overall tournament format," the FPAA said. "This year again, golfers who are unable to participate both days now have the option of participating in one-day tournaments (Friday or Saturday). For golfers who maintain the same team (no exceptions), they will be automatically entered into the two-day tournament. Meanwhile, all two-person teams will also be competing head-to-head Friday and Saturday at the Tubac Golf Resort. We will have separate first-, second- and third-place winners on Friday and Saturday, and we will have overall awards for first and second place for teams that participate on both days. Hole-in-one, closest to the pin and longest drive prizes will continue as in the past.”
FPAA hasn’t yet released the full convention agenda, but a luncheon and educational sessions will begin at noon on Nov. 7, with the opening fiesta that evening.
The popular culinary showcase is to run Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The closing gala event begins at 6:30 that evening.
According to FPAA, “in 1905, the first rail car carrying fresh produce from Mexico crossed the border at Nogales, Arizona. Today, Mexico has become the top supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables for the United States — and the FPAA is the leading agent of produce trade at the U.S.-Mexico border and across the country.”
