AGRITRADE CENTRAL AMERICA, Guatemala March 19-20, 2009
PFID-F&V participated recently in this tradeshow, the largest and most important meeting venue for Central American fresh produce and ornamental plants exporters. PFID-F&V participation included an afternoon of two conferences imparted by associates from University of Florida, Gainsville, and University of Cornell. The conferences and thematic areas are explained as follows:
First Talk
"US Consumer trends regarding convenience of added value"
Major discussion points:
What to expect in consumer trends as household budgets tighten?
Is consumer satisfaction been reshaped at retail and restaurant level?
How can you still add value and stay competitive?
Speaker: Sandra Cuellar, extension associate at the Department of Applied Economics and Management in Cornell University. She coordinates development of educational and outreach materials on food consumption behavior. Conducts market research and extension work in the areas of food marketing and distribution with emphasis on produce, perishables,
food safety, international food marketing and food retailing in the
United States and in foreign countries.
Second Talk
"Investments in productivity under high energy and food prices"
Major discussion points:
Higher energy and food prices have been blamed as the culprit for a slowed down global economy
Where should investments in higher productivity be addressed to under this global scenario?
What have we learned in agriculture production recently that can help us stay afloat shall energy prices soar again?
Speaker: Dr. John Vansickle. Dr. Vansicke serves as the Director of the University of Florida International Agricultural Trade and Policy Center, located in the Food and Resource Economics Department of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. He is also a Professor in the Food and Resource Economics Department with responsibilities for developing extension education programs for and conduct applied research on the agricultural market. Dr. Vansickle is responsible for the developing of extension education programs for and conduct applied research on commodity marketing using futures and options contracts.
Do download copies of their presentations please click the links below:
