Event highlights Pharr, Texas, port's importance to trade
Members of the South Texas produce industry joined others at the Pharr International Bridge to kick off the start of the import season, when the volume of trucks crossing the bridge significantly increases.
Just over 190,000 loads of fresh produce crossed into the U.S. over the bridge in fiscal year 2020, more than any other international bridge in the U.S., according to a news release from the Texas International Produce Association, Mission.
“We partner with so many organizations, because we know the fastest way to get things done is through partnerships. City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez said at the Oct. 8 event, according to the release. “ … We don’t see Pharr as isolated. What works for Pharr we will gladly share with all other bridges in the Rio Grande Valley for their expansion, because we are a team.”
Hernandez referred to a partnership with Customs and Border Protection at the bridge that is placing University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley students to work with CBP agricultural specialists inspecting fruits and vegetables for pests and disease.
More than 65% of fresh produce entering Texas from Mexico comes via the Pharr International Bridge, according to the Texas association.
Dante Galleazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, said the annual event brings attention to the port of entry’s prominence to trade.
“ … It also brings a lot of attention to the industry and specifically the partnerships and economic-unity that is a key to the fresh produce infrastructure in our state and throughout North America,” Galeazzi said in the release.
The bridge will be expanded by four lanes to expedite crossings. Other upgrades to the port are in the works, including an expansion of the facility’s dry dock, a cold storage inspection facility and a regional agriculture lab and training center, according to Luis Bazan, Pharr bridge director. Funding has already been approved for the three projects, he said.
The Oct. 8 event also included the ceremonial cutting of the fruit.
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