Netled will join 11 other winning companies from 8 countries for the IPFA’s Fresh Field Catalyst program beginning with an immersion week to take place in California on May 9th to 13th. The winning companies will be introduced to industry leaders, tour industry farms and facilities, and experience a crash course in all things produce related.
“The Fresh Field Catalyst program is a super highway of development, exposing companies to contacts and industry lessons that could take years in a typical development cycle,” says IFPA Vice President of AgFood Tech Innovation, Vonnie Estes.
“One of the main reasons the winning companies were chosen was that they had a viable product that is ready to be iterated for our specific market. We congratulate all of our winners, we’re looking forward to beginning this experience with them during Immersion Week!”
Diverse group of winning companies
The winning companies represent a truly global cohort hailing from countries such as Canada, Australia, United States, Israel, Singapore, Slovakia, and Ireland. Netled is the only company from the Nordic region to be selected to the final twelve, and one of only three from Europe.
The diverse international group will not only learn from the industry experts they will meet during their immersion week, but also from each other.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be selected as one of the 12 winners to the Fresh Field Catalyst program”, says Netled’s COO, Niko Kurumaa.
“The program will give us crucial insight into the produce industry in the United States as well as introducing our world-class vertical farming systems to industry leaders. We will also receive important feedback from established players in the industry. We are also looking forward to getting to know the other winners. Who knows what possibilities there are for collaboration and innovation amongst this fantastic group of companies.”
Exhibition space in Orlando
In addition to immersion week, the winners will also receive exhibit space at the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, Florida, October 27th to 29th.
“I’m especially excited to see these companies learn over the next several months throughout biweekly webinars and mentorship program and be able to arrive at the Big Show armed with experience and industry knowledge,” says Estes.
“The Global Produce & Floral Show will allow our winners to connect with the industry and begin to make an immediate impact. We are grateful for all the participants who are contributing their time as mentors and member companies inviting our winners into their facilities. This is the true value of the program for our winners – learning, engaging and iterating with our industry without barriers.”
IFPA (International Fresh Produce Association) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain, and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. IFPA works under the leadership of the two previous leading fresh produce and floral associations, United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association. IFPA serves to advocate nationally and globally for the fresh supply chains through government advocacy and leadership especially in the North American Market.
