PRESS RELEASE
Media Contact: Yuri Gonzalez
Phone: (956) 310-2139
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Pharr Bridge Celebrates 30 Years of “Connecting Two Nations” with 11th Annual Produce Season Kickoff
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024
Pharr, Texas – The City of Pharr proudly kicked off the 11th annual official start of the 2024-2025 Produce Season at the Pharr International Bridge during a celebratory event held on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This milestone marked the 30th anniversary of the bridge’s mission of “Connecting Two Nations” and underscored its vital role in facilitating the movement of fresh produce across borders.
The celebration attracted city officials, produce growers, importers, distributors, consumers, and dignitaries from both sides of the border, highlighting the Pharr International Bridge’s ongoing leadership in trade, agriculture, and commerce.
As the third-ranked port in Texas for trade with Mexico and the seventh-largest and fastest-growing land port of entry nationwide, the Pharr International Bridge is central to North American trade and agriculture. The bridge handles over 65% of the nation’s fresh produce imports from Mexico, contributing to more than $47 billion in annual trade and playing a crucial role in boosting the economy at local, state, and national levels.
“The Pharr International Bridge has proudly held the title of the number one produce bridge in the nation, and this event was a testament to our commitment to connecting growers in Mexico with consumers in the U.S.,” said Luis Bazan, Pharr International Bridge Director. “Celebrating our 30th anniversary was an exciting moment for us, and everyone looked forward to this event; it was different, fun, and exciting,” he added.
The kickoff marked one of the busiest and most impactful times of the year for the Pharr International Bridge, emphasizing its essential role in sustaining the flow of fresh goods that benefit millions, while supplying a rich bounty of fruits and vegetables to the United States.
“This was not just a regular ribbon-cutting; we literally cut the first piece of produce for the season,” noted Cindy Garza Reyes, Pharr Assistant City Manager/Director of External Relations. “What started as a small gathering of 40 individuals has now grown to well over 150 participants, showcasing the dedication of the City and our Bridge Department,” said Garza. She added, “Pharr has been instrumental in expanding connections within the industry, and we look forward to another successful season.”
The event also featured the vibrant 3rd annual “Taste of Trade,” where local chefs and restaurants transformed a bounty of fresh produce into mouthwatering culinary creations. Guests were treated to a true farm-to-table experience, giving them the opportunity to savor the flavors of the region, and as a special bonus, every attendee took home their own selection of freshly harvested produce to enjoy!
The City of Pharr thanks all attendees for participating in this time-honored tradition as they kicked off the 2024-2025 Produce Season and celebrated three decades of connecting nations and driving trade.
