Members of the Fresh Produce & Floral Council 2020 Apprentice Class continue to learn about the industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, recently attending virtual tours.
The Sept. 10 tours gave class members a look into Duda Farm Fresh Foods and LA Produce Distributors, according to a news release. Class members talked to Susan Kavanagh-Duda, regional sales manager, and Brad Stinson, quality control field supervisor and fifth-generation family.
Stinson, in a live video from Salinas, Calif., took class members through celery growing, harvesting and packing process. He also discussed planting and food safety measures at Duda.
Apprentice class members also “toured” the L.A. Produce Wholesale Market, home of LA Produce Distributors.
“One of the advantages of modern technology is the ability to visit Salinas valley and walk the L.A. Produce Wholesale Market in just two hours!” said Allie Fafard, a class member from Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “Our tour guides were very interactive and happy to answer all of our questions. I learned more about supply chain management and considerations that take place from seed to sale of a product.”
“We are proud to be able to continue providing apprentices with educational and enriching content through virtual meet-ups, speaker panels and live tours,” Rachelle Schulken, apprentice program vice-chairwoman and FPFC board member, said in the release.
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