International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has launched the Fresh Field Catalyst, an accelerator program, to attract start-up, scale up and international technology solution providers interested in entering the global produce market.
“As we move towards system-wide interoperability, technology is becoming more universal and adaptive to multiple industries,” VP of Innovation at IFPA, Vonnie Estes, in a news release. “Many solutions to our industry challenges may already exist, but the creators aren’t aware of the potential our industry holds for both growth and impact. The accelerator is like building a super highway directly into our industry for global potential partners.”
The Fresh Field Catalyst is a six month program for global companies (start-up, scale-up, and corporates) who have a developed solution and an interest in entering the produce market.
“The produce industry extends into every community across the globe and growing access and consumption is critical to global public health,” said program mentor, Jan DeLyser, vice president of marketing at California Avocado Commission. “There is huge potential for those companies looking to enter the industry. There are few other opportunities that provide so much promise for both individual companies and the world.”
The program is designed to introduce companies to the industry, connect them with industry mentors and leaders, and provide them with an industry immersion program to help them integrate into the fresh produce and floral industry.
“Sometimes innovative technologies are proven and mature in other industries, but they are not yet suitable for the produce industry,” said program mentor Scott Komar, senior vice president, global R&D at Driscoll’s. “In these cases it’s necessary to adapt and apply existing technologies in significant new ways. The Fresh Field Catalyst Accelerator seems like a great approach to fast tracking the process of partnering and entering our market. It’s also an excellent opportunity for those solution providers looking to scale their business while minimizing risk.”
Included in the program will be field and corporate visits for accelerator participants, virtual meet-ups with industry experts across the supply chain, 1 on 1 mentoring and access to IFPA resources. These resources include access to IFPA proprietary research and analytics, support to translate technology to agriculture or the U.S. market, and shared exhibit space with other accelerator members at the Global Produce and Floral Show, Orlando Florida, Oct. 27-29.
For those interested in applying to be a part of the accelerator program, find more information here.
Industry members can also find more information here about how to participate as a resource or sponsor.
