FruitGrowerConnect Brings Buyers And Sellers Together [Slideshow]

Posted by Christina Herrick|November 25, 2014

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Steve Paganelli of Taylor Orchards and Chris Cournyer of MeasureTek talk about real-time solutions during a meeting at FruitGrowerConnect.
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During a meeting, Asen Asparuhov of Marrone Bio Innovations shares information with Adam Zediker of Washington Fruit Company.
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Gregg Marrs of Blueline Equipment Company and his wife Anita talk at the reception with Adam Zediker of Washington Fruit Co.
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Kerry Scott of MAS Labor, left, talks at a reception with Brad Higbee of Paramount Farming, center, and Jim Paluch of JP Horizons, who coordinated the Grower Roundtable.
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(Left to Right) American/Western Fruit Grower Editor David Eddy talks at a reception with Dale and Tim Schaal of Air Tec Sprayers along with John Amarel of Reason Farms.
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Growers and suppliers alike competed in a putting competition at FruitGrowerConnect.
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Kelley Morrow of SunWest Fruit Co. shows off her skills on the putting green during the Connect golf competition.
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The food was fantastic at the Rancho Bernardo Inn - as was the fellowship.
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The Grower Roundtable stimulated a lot of discussion among growers of different fruit and nut crops.
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(Left to Right) Growers Scott Jacky of Valley Fruit Co., Joe Martinez of Martinez Ranches, and Adam Zediker of Washington Fruit Co. talk with Rosemary Gordon, American/Western Fruit Grower contributing editor.
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Jim Williams of Chiawana Orchards, left, gets into a discussion at the Grower Roundtable with Brad Higbee of Paramount Farming.
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Growers offered up 10 Great Ideas in answer to a question at each table, later winnowing the list down to one take-home actionable idea.

Some of the largest and most progressive fruit and nut growers in the West along with decision makers from leading suppliers met in San Diego Nov. 9-12 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for two-and-a-half days of meetings and networking at American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower’s FruitGrowerConnect.

The basis for the event is a series of private one-on-one meetings between growers and suppliers. Growers were interviewed ahead of time to match them up with suppliers who can address their individual needs with specific presentations.
John Amarel of Reason Farms said the event was definitely worth his time.

“I got a lot of information from the suppliers, and it was good to meet the other growers as well,” he says. “I enjoyed the whole process, and if I’m invited back, I would definitely like to come again.”

In addition to the meetings, both growers and suppliers had opportunities to make new connections during meal functions and receptions throughout the event. The half day was devoted to a grower-only forum to discuss industry problems and issues and also talk about possible solutions.

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While he enjoyed the meetings, Axiall Corporation’s Michael Leggett said it was great to have the networking opportunities during the meals and breaks. “I liked the flexibility of the scheduling and the great caliber of growers,” he said. “I’m definitely interested in returning next year.”

One grower attendee, Jared Brown of Earl Brown and Sons, gave the supplier meetings a perfect “10.”

“I haven’t had a bad meeting,” Brown said. “It was great to see more people we really didn’t know about.”

If you’re interested in learning more about FruitGrowerConnect or participating in the event in 2015, visit FruitGrowerConnect.com or email David Eddy.

Check out the slideshow to see some of the action!

Christina Herrick is former Editor of American Fruit Grower magazine and Western Fruit Grower magazine, published by Meister Media Worldwide. See all author stories here.