Meeting/Event Information

A LOOK INTO Houston's Cold Sterilization Continuation Approval

A process that many in the local trade community may not be familiar with, this approval brings with it tremendous growth potential for certain commodities of perishable imports through the great state of Texas. 

Panel Line Up - Jacob McDowell Supervisor | Field Trainer U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Houston Maritime Operations

Kimberly Flores VP Business Development & Marketing, Pro Citrus Network

Ricardo J. Arias Trade Development Manager, Port of Houston Authority

Join us for our April event, where we'll shine a spotlight on Houston's recent approval for USDA cold treatment continuation for perishable imports. Featuring a distinguished panel including representatives from Port Houston, CBP Ag, and Foremost Fresh/ Pro Citrus Network, our aim is to enlighten our local trade community about the implications of this approval for imports into Houston and the burgeoning perishables market in Texas and surrounding areas.

Even if you're not currently involved in handling these types of products, this event promises to unveil the potential opportunities and significance this holds for our port and community.

USDA cold treatment, mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is a crucial process for certain imported goods, particularly fruits and vegetables. It serves as a phytosanitary measure aimed at eradicating or controlling pests that may accompany imported agricultural products. This process involves subjecting the goods to specific cold temperatures for a predetermined period, effectively eliminating or hindering the development of pests, including insects and pathogens, which could jeopardize U.S. agriculture.

The USDA sets forth guidelines and regulations governing cold treatment requirements for various imported products. Importers must adhere to these regulations to ensure that the imported goods meet the phytosanitary standards established by the USDA, thereby guaranteeing their safety for entry into the United States without posing a threat to domestic agriculture.

Cold treatment is just one of many phytosanitary measures implemented by regulatory agencies worldwide to safeguard against the spread of pests and diseases through international trade in agricultural products.

Secure a reserved table at this luncheon today!  With the purchase of eight tickets, your company will be guaranteed a table reservation for the best seats in the room.  (First-come, first-served.)

Are you or your company interested in sponsoring one of HCBFFA luncheon events? Email [email protected] for arrangements.

CCS / CES Point Information. This event is pending approval for 2 NCBFAA CCS/CES points.

Registration opens at 11:30, lunch will begin at 11:45 and our Guest Speaker will begin shortly after 12. 

Members enjoy lunch at a reduced rate from our non member attendees. 

Student discounts are available. Please email [email protected] for more information on student discounts.

If you are having problems completing the online form in the registration link or if you do not know your member login, please email [email protected] for assistance. 

CCS/CES Credits will only be awarded to those who attend the event in person.

***Before clicking register, please note the following when registering for multiple attendees****

If you are a member company and will be taking two additional guests from your own company, please add the total number of guests (3) to the ticket field and click add. This will open a box where you can enter the seperate names for each attendee. If you are a member and wish to take 2 guests from a non member company, add the number of tickets to each field ("1" Member ticket) and click add and it will add that single member ticket and then 2 HCBFFA non member ticket and click add and it will open the screen to type additional names of guests.  

If you are a member and have problems registering at the "member" rate, please email [email protected] to be sure your account is set up as a member account for the purposes of luncheon sign ups.