11:00am

Registration Open

Location: North Registration Counter

12:00 pm - 12:30 pm

Lunch

12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

Sustainability Insights Revealed
Join us for a deep dive into the proprietary data, insights and trends revealed in The Packer’s annual survey of consumers, retailers and growers. Each segment has a unique perspective and an important role to play in creating a more sustainable world. This session will translate survey results into actionable takeaways.

Jennifer Strailey, Editorial Director, The Packer

Christina Herrick, The Packer

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

A New Breed: The role of seed cultivation, fruit breeding and genetics in in a more sustainable food supply
Environmental challenges have spurred innovation in fruit breeding, genetics and seed cultivation to address climate change and disease resistance, foster biodiversity and improve the quality, flavor and freshness of the food we grow. Meet the experts leading the charge in this ever evolving and critically important sector of food cultivation.

Moderator:  A.G. Kawamura, Former Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (2003-2010)

Panelists:  Jennifer Peterson, Chief Science Officer, Sun World

Cristiane Lourenco, Global Sustainability Director, Bayer Vegetable Seeds

1:45 pm - 2:05 pm

Break

2:05 pm - 2:50 pm

Leading the Ethical Charter Implementation Program
The Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) is a collaboration among retailers/buyers, grower-shippers and implementing organizations to recognize and strengthen engagement around labor practices in the fresh produce industry. The program highlights existing best-practice efforts and works to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Moderator: Melinda Goodman, Full Tilt Marketing

Panelists: Wyatt Maysey, Taylor Farms

Stephanie Teclaw, RPE

2:50 pm - 3:35 pm

Biodiversity and the future of food
Biodiversity is essential to supporting a healthy planet and sustainable food supply. Increasingly, retailers are requiring their business partners to support sustainable practices. Walmart has pollinator requirements that go into effect next year. And The Kroger Co. recently said it will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to use Integrated Pest Management practices for all products supplied to Kroger by 2028 or 2030, based on the grower's size. This panel will bring together stakeholders committed to advancing biodiversity in the fresh produce industry.

Moderator: Roberta Anderson, President of GLOBALG.A.P. North America

Panelists:
Josh VanDeWalle, Bayer

Giovanni Cavaletto, President of GLC Cerritos, LLC

Ariel Larson, M.S., Sustainable Food Group

3:35 pm - 3:45 pm

Presentation of the SPS Marketing Awards

3:45 pm - 4:30 pm

Walking the talk: Communicating sustainability in marketing
While fresh produce is leading the charge on sustainability, the industry’s sensitivity to greenwashing keeps some silent on their efforts. How can the industry better communicate their story? This session will include the presentation of The Packer’s annual Sustainable Marketing Awards.

Brock Nemecek, Farm Journal
Tamara Muruetagoiena, IFPA VP of Sustainability

5:00 pm

Dinner on your own

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Shots in the Night Reception

Join us for a fun night of drinks and desserts at Coachella Valley’s best outdoor golf entertainment experience.  Perfect fun for after dinner!  

Transportation will be provided.
Buses will begin loading at 7:30pm and return back to the JW Marriott at 10pm.

Separate Registration Required - please RSVP.  Included with SPS registration.