PHARR, Texas – A celebration for the “Start of the Produce Season 2020-2021” was held on October 8, 2020 at the Pharr International Bridge.
Pharr crosses more fresh produce more than any other international bridge in the US. In fiscal year 2020 it has crossed 190,174 truckloads, while over 65 percent of all the fresh produce crossing from Mexico through Texas crosses at the Pharr International Bridge.
Luis Bazan, the Pharr Bridge director, said plans are in place to expand the bridge by an additional four lanes in order to expedite crossings.
“In addition to the bridge expansion, three other projects are up for bids on October 2021,” Bazan said. “Under the DAP 16 [Donations Acceptance Program] these projects include an expansion of the dry dock, a cold inspection facility and the regional agriculture lab and training center.”
Funding is already approved for these projects, Bazan said.
The start of the produce season celebration is organized by the Pharr Bridge Board in conjunction with the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA).
Dante Galeazzi, president & CEO of the TIPA, noted that attendance was lighter this year in order to respect social distancing orders in place throughout Hidalgo County. However, he said, the event still drew individuals representing the fresh produce industry, officials from the City of Pharr, and Texas State Representatives to witnesses the “bustling activity” the Pharr bridge exudes.
“This is always a great event and brings a lot of attention not only to the bridge that crosses the most fresh produce in all of the United States but it also brings a lot of attention to the industry and specifically the partnerships and economic-unity that is a key to the fresh produce infrastructure in our state and throughout North America.” Galeazzi said.
VIPs participated in the ceremonial “Cutting of the Fruit” feature.
“We partner with so many organizations, because we know the fastest way to get things done is through partnerships. The STAC Program, South Texas Assets Consortium, is how we pay for overtime hours to CBP Agriculture Inspectors,” said City of Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez. “We don’t see Pharr as isolated. What works for Pharr we will gladly share with all other bridges in the Rio Grande Valley for their expansion, because we are a team.”
Hernandez said a vital partnership now exists between TIPA, CBP, STAC bridges and UT-Rio Grande Valley that allows ten paid agriculture interns to be utilized at the bridge.
These university students assist CBP in processing commercial produce shipments. “The program aims to build a pool of qualified and local individuals that any of the numerous bridges crossing fresh produce in Texas can access to fill personnel openings,” a TIPA news release stated.
Founded in 1942, TIPA promotes, advocates, educates and represents the nearly $8 billion in fresh produce that is either grown in the state or calls Texas the first point of U.S.-arrival for North American distribution.
Editor’s Note: The Rio Grande Guardian hosted a Zoom conversation with Pharr Bridge Director Luis Bazan in May, 2020. During the conversation, Bazan discusses the strong growth in trade at the bridge. Here is the Zoom:
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October 09, 2020 at 08:37PM
https://riograndeguardian.com/news-in-pictures-pharr-bridges-fresh-produce-season-2020-2021-now-underway/
News in Pictures: Pharr Bridge's Fresh Produce Season 2020-2021 now underway - Rio Grande Guardian
https://news.google.com/search?q=fresh&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US:en
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