Connecting the Dots in the Global Fresh Produce Market

Project Director: Dr.  Veronica Ancona

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the United States imports approximately 32 percent of the fresh vegetables and 55 percent of the fresh fruit that Americans consume annually. About half of the fresh produce imported to the U.S. is coming from Mexico and there is a need of prepared personnel in inspection and management of imported fresh produce in the south border. In this project, we aim to increase the human resource capacity by training students from the College of Agriculture at Texas A&M Kingsville in global agriculture. To attain this aim, we propose to 1) create a course with experiential learning activities; 2) enhance learning with cultural and international immersion experiences; 3) develop a student-centered mentorship program and workshop activities to increase retention and enhance student placement; 4) Dissemination of project outcomes to stakeholders. The impacts and outcomes of the project include: at least 30 students acquiring new skills relevant to USDA mission areas and global food production, 30 students considering USDA careers, graduation of 27 + undergraduates in Agriculture, 2 MSc graduates in Plant and Soil Science, increased collaboration and support between Ag Industries and TAMUK, new international partnerships with Mexico, increased awareness of globally relevant issues in 30+ students.