Opinion
Bryan Silbermann, Produce Marketing Association With the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to reflect and express gratitude for the things we cherish most.
I’m extremely thankful for our members and our industry that is providing innovative, healthy and flavorful products and services.
With that in mind, we recently reached out to industry members through Facebook to find out what they’re most thankful for and here’s what they said:
“We’re thankful for our great employees in our orchards, facilities, and offices. We’re thankful to be part of this great industry that promotes healthy products every day and continually works to increase consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. More Matters!” — Roger Pepperl, Stemilt Growers
“I’m thankful that we as growers have been able to provide a service for our customers and provide for our families while doing something we all love. Those who are in the produce business either love it or they don’t; there is no room for fence riders. God has blessed growers with an awesome opportunity. ‘Who plants a seed beneath the sod and waits to see believes in God.’ Happy Holidays everyone.” — Walt Dasher, G&R Farms
“I’m thankful that we’re surrounded by great and caring people in the industry and that we have a common goal of providing delicious and healthy produce to consumers around the world.” — Eric Patrick, Grant J. Hunt Co.
“I’m in a position this year as PMA chairman to give back to an industry that has provided me and my family a wonderful life. I’m so fortunate and thankful to have that opportunity.” — Rich Dachman, Sysco
“I’m thankful for the Fresh Summit conference donations of fresh fruits and vegetables going to the needy. In my opinion, it’s one of the most charitable givings from our industry.” — Tim Riley, The Giumarra Cos.
“I am thankful for the people in our industry. The fresh produce industry is moving full steam ahead thanks to our creative, insightful and talented leaders.” — Keith Purvis, L&M Cos.
“I am thankful for having wonderful employees that care about our customers and making sure all are satisfied with Liberty Fruit.” — Scott Danner, Liberty Fruit Co. Inc.
“We’re thankful for our families, employees, customers and carriers that have blessed us with the opportunity to participate in the distribution of healthy fruits, vegetables and other food items to every corner of this great nation ...” — Craig Cahill and Nora Trueblood, Allen Lund Co.
“The Mushroom Council is thankful for the retail and consumer support we have received during the October National Breast Cancer Awareness promotion that helps the council continue to fund research on mushrooms and breast cancer at City of Hope.” — Bart Minor, The Mushroom Council
“We are very grateful for the people participating in this company. Through a year marked with global economic hardship and extreme weather conditions, we emerge stronger. And we know this has only been possible through all those involved; from our pickers and packers, all the way to our marketing partners. To all of you who take care of our company and its name — thank you!” — Pablo Borquez Schwarzbeck Jr., Campo Pablo Borquez
“I’m thankful for the ability of our industry to understand the demands of the public (which we become when we’re not involved in work) with a focus on providing the best, freshest products to the market. We make the season happy with freshness. Whoever looked at a beautiful plant or flower and became depressed? Who looked at fresh produce and did not want to taste and consume it? You see, we are the base from which attitudes are developed. This is the most exciting industry I have been involved with in my career.” — Victor Robelet, Carlson AirFlo Merchandising Systems
“The opportunity for increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is tremendous! We are fortunate to be associated with the fresh produce industry and I am specifically thankful to work for the California avocado industry to create awareness and demand for avocados.” — Jan DeLyser, California Avocado Commission
“I am thankful for my health and the health of all the great people that I see in my 18-state marketing area of the Northeast and Midwest!” — Tod Schmidt, Idaho Potato Commission
“I am ever grateful for the privilege to be a part of such a noble and wholesome industry ... I certainly appreciate the challenge — and the satisfaction — that comes with working day and night to provide others with fresh and nourishing fruits and vegetables to enjoy.” — John Oxford, L&M Cos.
You can read more comments on PMA’s Facebook page and, while you’re there, tell us what you’re thankful for.
Bryan Silbermann is president and chief executive officer of the Produce Marketing Association, Newark, Del.
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