Port Everglades hosts Nicaraguan growers

Port Everglades hosts Nicaraguan growers Fruit and vegetable shipments from Central America represent a big slice of business for Port Everglades, and to help strengthen relationships in that market, the port hosted a day-long event for a group of growers from Nicaragua.
   The event was arranged by Crowley Maritime in cooperation with Michigan State University's John Allen, professor emeritus of food marketing. The program included a landside bus tour to help the growers prepare and understand the distribution logistics and export procedures needed to ship their products via Port Everglades. Currently, none of these growers are exporting to the U.S.
   Port Everglades staff, Crowley Maritime staff and Professor Allen escorted the bus tour, which included visiting the relevant terminals in the Port, including the Crowley terminal, to assist in getting first-hand views of operations.
   'We are excited for the chance to bring in new business from Nicaragua,' said port director Phillip C. Allen. 'Fruits and vegetables are already among the top five commodities brought into Port Everglades from countries south of us. We're proud to play a part in providing the residents of Broward County with such tasty natural foods.'
   The visit was part of a week-long trade mission for the growers, who then traveled to San Diego to attend the annual Produce Marketing Association trade show.