On July 30 – August 2, 2025 we were fortunate enough to have a multi-regional group in with the subject of U.S. Agricultural Trade and Food Safety. These 17 participants and 3 interpreters were interested in how the procedures for import, export and sourcing is handled by the U.S. In order to fulfill these requests they were able to visit MAS Melons and Grapes with Miguel Suarez, President. Although it was the end of the season and super busy at the warehouse Mr. Suarez took the time to share with the group the process for importing from Mexico.
Following this visit they went to R.L. Jones Customhouse Brokers, Inc and met with Gustavo Acosta, General Manager for this facility. They ship items (not just food products) around the world. He shared their story with the visitors and showed them his warehouse.
The visitors wanted pictures by the border wall but found out that where the bus parked and they chose wasn’t approved by the CBP and therefore the CBP and Sheriff’s department told them they had to move. Seriously, what an impression. The group recovered from this but it did leave a lasting impression, and not a positive one sorry to say!
For sourcing they had the privilege of having lunch at one of Tucson’s newest restaurants, Zeke’s at 161 N Sixth Ave. There they had a brief conversation with the owner, Zeke himself, about sourcing of food and safety. Although they might have wanted more time with him it was impossible since he also was working the counter and got busy. But, they enjoyed the food and the information they did get.
A trip to Mission Garden was hot (welcome to Tucson in July) but they felt it was well worth the visit. Mission Garden is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit trees, traditional local heirloom crops and edible native plants. The Garden is managed by Friends of Tucson’s Birthplace. Mission Garden is located at the foot of Sentinel Peak, at the site of the Native American village of Cuk á¹¢on (pronounced Chuk Shon), a place sacred to the Tohono O’odham.  The Garden contains over a dozen distinct multi-cultural, ethno-agricultural heritage plots, each representing one of the many ethnic groups that farmed the Tucson Basin over the last four millennia.Â
Once again CDA hosted the visitors at a mixer at Monterey Court Cafe. Conversations were buzzing, contacts made and information shared.
It was a delight to meet these amazing international representatives from Chili, Albania, Czech Republic, Guyana, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Palau, Italy, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, USASEAN and Uzbekistan! We wish them the best and hope some will have the opportunity to return and visit in the future.