Floridian ports have been making preparations to receive the larger ships that are expected to arrive with the completion of the Panama Canal this year. Port Tampa Bay is gearing up with a multiphase major expansion to accommodate the new, larger ships and will host the Fresh From Florida Export Summit on April 27 to engage growers and industry with new trade opportunities.
Port Tampa Bay leaders say there will be a major emphasis on food trade as the expansion takes shape. For Florida growers, the increased traffic at the port could lead to new international and domestic trade opportunities.
The event will be held at the Port’s Cruise Terminal 6. Speakers on the agenda include Paul Anderson, President/CEO of Port Tampa Bay; Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam; along with trade consuls from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The day will be capped off with an optional Port Tampa Bay boat tour.
“Not only is the port near a major food and beverage distribution hub in Central Florida, we also are situated in the heart of the state’s agricultural activity,” says Wade Elliott, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Port Tampa Bay. “We are encouraging growers and manufacturers to look at export market opportunities. The Summit will help attendees learn about ways to engage these markets.”
