Give & Take

The expression, "It's all good," can be applied to American Vegetable Grower's (AVG) first annual VegetableXchange event that was held Jan. 27-30 in Carefree, AZ, at the Carefree Resort & Villas.

The idea for this event is unlike any other in our industry. It isn't a trade show, conference, or seminar. On top of that, there are no speakers or other events — even golf outings — scheduled. The bulk of the time growers spent at the VegetableXchange was devoted to meeting with suppliers.

Twenty of AVG's top growers spent two days having one-on-one private meetings with industry suppliers of their choosing. Eighteen vendors took part in this inaugural event including crop protection companies, seed breeders, drip tape suppliers, and equipment companies.

The private meetings were only one facet of the VegetableXchange. All of the 80 attendees had the opportunity to network with other growers and vendors during receptions and meals.

Grower Perspective

"The meetings were structured to focus on our specific needs and interests," says Tony DiMare, vice president of DiMare Company, one of AVG's Top 100 Growers. DiMare also is one of AVG's editorial advisory board members.

"The format also allowed for the best utilization of our time," says DiMare. "The length of each meeting was sufficient to convey our needs and listen to individual company representatives explain their products and services — not too long and not too short." DiMare adds he has already been in follow-up contact with three vendors.

Paul Allen, vice president and general manager of R.C. Hatton Inc., a green bean and sweet corn grower based in Pahokee, FL, had this to say about the event: "The Xchange was more than worthwhile; it was immeasurable.

"It has let me know that the agricultural world is still not so huge that you cannot get things done if you can talk to the right people," he says. "We have followed up with five vendors."

The next VegetableXchange is slated for February 22-25, 2009 in Carefree, AZ.