One of the most refreshing highlights of the Viva Fresh Expo, taking place April 25-27 at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, TX, is the annual Aggies for Fresh Reception and introduction of a selected group of young ag students from Texas A&M.
Viva Fresh, of course, is hosted by the Texas International Produce Association and focuses “on networking, education and building relationships in a relaxed and intimate setting.” To that end, the expo is a huge supporter of Aggies for Fresh, which is described as “a program that seeks to inspire Texas A&M University students to pursue a purpose-driven career in fresh produce.” Founded in 2014 by Drew and Dan’l Mackey Almy of DMA Solutions Inc. – and both Texas A&M Class of 1994 alumni — Aggies for Fresh is designed to place students “into internships and full-time employment in the [ag] industry upon graduation.”
This year’s Aggies for Fresh group consists of nine talented students: Florencia Abram, Master of Agribusiness, Class of 2020; Caitlin Benge, Agricultural Communications and Journalism, August 2019; Arianna Jopling, Agricultural Communication and Journalism, Class of 2019; Regan McGuill, Animal Science/Production Option, Class of 2020; Madison Mellon, Agricultural Leadership and Development, Class of 2020; Maria Alejandra Ramirez, Master of Agribusiness, Class of 2019; Jessica Smith, University Studies/Leadership, Class of 2020;
Makaila Vasconcellos, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Class of 2020; and Emily Zdon, Chemistry, Class of 2019.
Does this make anyone besides OnionBusiness think about the 2017 Ag Census and the leap in numbers of women in agriculture? Remarkable, isn’t it? And encouraging!
And each of the five years Viva Fresh has taken place, Aggies for Fresh “has brought top students to the expo to gain exposure to the produce industry, many of whom received job offers. Aggies for Fresh will once again be bringing students to Viva Fresh in hopes of replicating the same success.” The reception is Friday, April 26, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. You’ll have an opportunity to meet these talented students at the Aggies for Fresh Reception on Friday, April 26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at the High Velocity Sports Bar in the JW Marriott.
