The United Fresh Research and Education Foundation will present a one-day post-show conference on produce sustainability, April 23, at the  Palazzo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The conference will immediately follow United Fresh 2010.

          "The Global Conference on Produce Sustainability will bring together experts from all points in the supply chain to explore the opportunities afforded by sustainable produce industry practices," said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel.  "Minimizing environmental impact, corporate social responsibility, and economic profitability are the cornerstone principles that will define sustainable practices for every segment of the produce industry."

"On a global level, it is becoming increasingly critical to have an overall sustainable approach to business," said United Fresh Chairman Jim Lemke. "It is a way to add value, improve efficiencies and invest in the long-term for future generations.  This conference is a milestone event, bringing together representatives from the entire produce industry supply chain to work towards advancing sustainable practices."

          The conference is presented by the United Fresh Center for Global Produce Sustainability, which was founded through a generous grant from Bayer CropScience. The Center for Global Produce Sustainability is designed to help companies across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain enhance their businesses through sustainability.

          "While some companies feel growing pressure from government and some buyers surrounding sustainability, many companies are beginning to realize the very practical benefits of reducing input costs, recycling and reusing materials, turning waste streams into positive benefits, and more," Stenzel said.  "It’s our goal to help companies throughout the produce supply chain find those opportunities to make sustainability a win-win-win for the environment, their communities and their own bottom line."

          The Global Conference on Produce Sustainability will build on the success of last year’s post-show conference on produce food safety standards, which attracted more than 300 industry leaders.  Registration for the conference is included with United Fresh 2010’s All Access Pass, or may be purchased separately.  Discounts are available for early registration.

          Centered on the theme of ‘Winning is Everything,’ United Fresh 2010 highlights the skills, products and technologies needed to build and maintain a successful, winning produce business, focusing on specialized programming for all segments of the fresh and fresh-cut produce industry. For more on the Global Conference on Produce Sustainability and United Fresh 2010, please visit www.unitedfresh.orgor call 202-303-3400.