WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The primary goal of this workshop is to bring together a diverse network of professionals from academia, industry, extension services, and government agencies who are working to enhance the performance, sustainability, and resilience of Latin American horticultural supply chains to the U.S.
Participants will:
- Share knowledge on how to improve quality, minimize postharvest losses, and meet regulatory and market demands.
- Highlight opportunities for supporting Latin American growers, exporters, and logistics providers.
- Explore cross-cutting themes including climate resilience, labor, sustainability, and technology adoption.
- Foster collaboration and lay the groundwork for future events focused on Latin America and horticulture.
Speakers:
WORKSHOP FORMAT
I. Expert Presentations (35 minutes total)
Three panelists (15 minutes each) will present on the following themes:
- Production and Sustainability: Emerging challenges and innovations in Latin American fruit, vegetable, and ornamental production systems.
- Postharvest and Quality Management: Best practices to preserve quality and extend shelf life during export, focusing on compliance with U.S. standards.
- Trade and Market Access: Navigating U.S. regulations, phytosanitary requirements, and certification systems, with insights into logistics and cold chain management.
II. Experience Sharing from the Field (15 minutes)
A moderated session where 5–6 attendees will briefly (2–3 minutes each) share their field experiences working in or with Latin American horticultural systems. This segment will offer valuable context and grassroots perspectives to enrich the subsequent discussions.
III. Breakout Group Discussions (25 minutes)
Participants will join focused roundtables based on key crops or sectors (e.g., tropical fruits, temperate fruits, vegetables, ornamentals). Each group will explore:
- Specific supply chain challenges
- Opportunities for innovation and collaboration
- Regional production and trade differences
IV. Group Reporting & Strategy Sharing (15 minutes)
Groups will reconvene to summarize key insights and report out barriers and proposed solutions (e.g., cold chain infrastructure gaps, pest and disease pressures, labor constraints, traceability needs). A shared whiteboard will capture these points to inform follow-up actions.
V. Building Toward Future Collaboration (15 minutes)
The workshop will conclude with an open discussion to identify opportunities for future collaboration. This may include organizing a follow-up workshop or proposing a broader symposium or conference focused on Latin American Horticulture—bringing together academic, industry, and government stakeholders to build long-term partnerships and shared research agendas.
