UFV students build connections and confidence at national produce convention

For four University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) students, the 2026 Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) convention in Toronto was more than a chance to learn about the produce industry. It was an opportunity to make connections, ask questions, and gain confidence alongside growers, marketers, logistics leaders, and innovators from across North America.

Hallie Moorthy, Manraj Randhawa, Alexander Slater and Anna Ramirez de Gracia, all from UFV’s agriculture program, made the journey to the three-day convention. Their trip was sponsored by Oppy, a global fresh produce grower, marketer, and distributor led by Chairman, CEO & Managing Partner, and 2025 UFV honorary degree recipient John Anderson, as a way of giving back to the community by investing in future produce professionals and to strengthen the connection between UFV and Oppy.

The UFV students got to dine with Oppy Chairman, CEO & Managing Partner, and 2025 UFV honorary degree recipient John Anderson (right in blue shirt).

“One of the greatest responsibilities we have as an industry is helping the next generation discover the opportunities that fresh produce offers,” John said. “We are incredibly proud to have supported Hallie, Manraj, Alexander and Anna’s participation at CPMA and to play a role in their journey. Hearing how the experience broadened their perspectives and strengthened their interest in the produce industry makes supporting students like them especially rewarding.”

Dee Homsavath, Oppy’s executive assistant, and Bilkis Laher, the company’s director of business implementation projects, spent much of the convention with the UFV students, helping them navigate the busy event.

Student Alexander Slater said their guidance was essential.

“I was especially interested in learning more about the supply chain and understanding what happens after products leave the farm. Walking through the trade hall with Dee and Bilkis, I understood just how vast and interconnected the produce world truly is,” he said. “Every booth told a story of growers from across North America working with logistics companies, technology providers, and marketing teams in this ecosystem that exists to get fresh food from the ground to the table.”

The students attended a Passion for Produce (PFP) panel that was especially enlightening. PFP was developed by CPMA to help emerging professionals gain hands-on insight into the fresh produce supply chain.

The panelists stressed the importance of building connections within the industry.

“Many of the speakers emphasized that opportunities are not simply handed to people,” Alexander said. “Instead, individuals need to actively seek them out, introduce themselves to others, ask questions, and remain open to learning.”

Later that day, the students attended a networking reception for young professionals, which Anna described as one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the convention.

“All of us felt nervous about approaching strangers and starting conversations, but Dee and Bilkis encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones and reminded us that the entire purpose of the convention was to meet people and build relationships,” she recalled.

One of the first people Anna spoke with was the senior director of produce at Walmart Canada.

“Although I expected someone in such a high position to feel intimidating, he was extremely friendly, interested in hearing about our studies, and willing to give advice,” she said. “He encouraged us to continue making connections and to ask questions because the people we met could play an important role in our future careers.”

Manraj said he felt his confidence growing by the moment, and he learned a particularly valuable lesson.

“The biggest thing that I got over was asking questions,” he said. “I would always be scared to ask questions, but this convention made me realize that there are no stupid questions, and other people are probably thinking about the same thing as you.”

The students also had the opportunity to meet and dine with John Anderson, which Hallie Moorthy described as a memorable experience.

“Learning from his perspective and hearing about his career journey and advancement within the industry was very inspiring,” she said. “Each of my conversations with the Oppy team reinforced how approachable and supportive the produce community is and deepened my appreciation for Oppy’s leadership and reputation within the industry.”

Dee provided positive feedback for the students.

“They were all a bit shy on the first day but quickly came out of their shells,” she noted. “Over the course of the convention, they connected with many people and actively participated in several receptions and dinners. I was genuinely impressed by their professionalism and especially by their enthusiasm for both the agriculture and produce industries.”