Consumers to Farm: Changing Patterns in the Fruit and Vegetable Industry
2009 VFIC Conference, August 21, 2009
Omni Hotel-Downtown Austin
Visit Conference Synopsis for more details
This conference conducted by the Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center (VFIC) helped address the recent shifts in fruit and vegetable consumption and further questions such as:
What exactly do consumers want?
Do they want fruits that are packed with more nutrients?
Do they want vegetables that taste better?
The conference helped align the research and outreach efforts of the VFIC with consumer and stakeholder interests.
The one-day event focused on consumer attitudes, scientific research and strategies for changing consumer behavior related to produce consumption. It was held in conjunction with the Texas Produce Convention. The conference enabled producers to easily interact with scientists, retailers, dieticians, nutritionists, legislators and consumers.
Highlights of the conference included:
- Keynote address by Dr. Randall E. Westgren, professor of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri-Columbia, who discussed about“Consumer Behavior in Health and Healthy Choices: What Strategies for Produce?”
- A luncheon honored federal and state legislators and key Texas A&M administrators, whose support is very critical for the sustainability of agriculture in Texas and nationwide.
- Round table included producers, grocers, United Fresh and restauranteurs, who discussed the topic “The Health Impact of Fruits and Veggies: Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities.” The Round table was moderated by food and nutrition marketing expert John Sauvé, Managing Director Food and Nutrition, Swardlick Marketing Group.
- Research update on fruit and vegetable breeding, environmental impacts of healthy compounds in produce, extracting healthy compounds from produce and how these compounds may help prevent human disease.
The consumer friendly work at the conference was well appreaciated by Senator Hinojosa. The conference was also well appreciated by Senator Cornyn's office.
The VFIC also congratulates:
Recipients of the VFIC Director's award:
Dr. Robert S. Chapkin, Professor, Department of Nutrition and Food Science
Dr. Hisashi Kiowa,
Assistant Professor,
Faculty of Molecular Environmental Plant Sciences
Poster Session Awards:
First Place : Ana Ortiz-Quezada - Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University
Second Place : Amy Butalla - Department of Nutritional Sciences at University of Arizona;
Third Place : Amit Vikram - VFIC and Department of Horticultural Science at Texas A&M University
This exciting conference was highly beneficial, both from a professional standpoint and in everyday living.
Dr. Bhimu Patil
Director, Vegetable & Fruit Improvement Center, Texas AgriLife Research
Professor, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Texas A&M University
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