mission

What is Aggies for Fresh?

A campaign to inspire Texas A&M University students to pursue a
purpose-driven career in fresh produce.

The fresh produce industry is made up of a dynamic group of passionate individuals who grow, ship, market and sell fresh fruits and vegetables. A career in fresh offers a tremendous amount of opportunities to make a difference in the world – everything from inspiring the “fresh food movement” to moving the dial on finding solutions for hunger and food waste.

Texas A&M University’s core values align closely with the fresh produce industry, creating a natural career fit for talented Aggies of all backgrounds, skill sets, and ambitions. Excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service are characteristics that are highly valued in the fresh produce industry, providing a solid foundation for Aggies to succeed.

Global Industry

365

days a year.

2014

Year Founded

quote

I believe Texas A&M has a wealth of premier talent that fresh produce companies and brands need to flourish. We strive to position the industry that we love as a purposeful and valuable career option.

Dan’l Mackey Almy

our-founders

Our Founders

Drew & Dan’l Mackey Almy

Founder, DMA Solutions, Inc.

Dan’l Mackey Almy’s passion for fresh produce marketing has paved the way for a dynamic career in the industry for over 18 years. In 2004, she founded DMA Solutions, Inc., a leading agency that works to increase the consumption of fresh produce through creative and results-oriented marketing. “My work is a small part of a much larger and important calling – being a voice and champion for food that is grown.” – Dan’l, class of ’94

Drew Almy ’94 is passionate about fresh food and the flavor that fruits and vegetables bring to whatever cuisine he prepares. An avid Aggie as well, Drew has been a financial planner with Fidelity Investments for 21 years, loves to cook, adores daughter Mackey and moonlights as co-owner and huge supporter of DMA Solutions, Inc.

DMA Solutions

About DMA Solutions, Inc.

DMA Solutions, Inc. is a specialized marketing agency in the fresh produce industry on a mission to increase demand that will ultimately inspire consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are passionate about helping their clients to achieve success through measurable marketing and creative design. To learn more about DMA Solutions, the company’s work and its team of marketers, visit http://www.dma-solutions.com and The Core Blog, and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

careers

What We Offer

Career Mentorship

Looking for guidance related to your career path, academic experience, or the fresh produce industry? Dan’l offers personal one-on-one coaching for any student in the agricultural field seeking a purpose-driven career in fresh produce. This is an incredible opportunity to receive professional advice and build a relationship with a seasoned, well-connected leader who is passionate about seeing Aggies succeed!

Internships

Internships are essential to gain experience, apply your knowledge from the classroom, make connections, and grow as a young professional. Luckily, we’re here to help you find the right internship based on you and your goals! Tell us a little about you, and we’ll pair you with an opportunity that complements your interests, skills and experience.

Leadership Development

We are passionate about providing opportunities for students and young alumni to develop both professionally and personally as they experience the fresh produce industry in unique ways. One way we do this is through experiential scholarships to attend industry events like the Viva Fresh Produce Expo. Check out our testimonials from this year’s event, and stay tuned for more exciting opportunities throughout the year by subscribing to our Events section!

Careers

Is graduation just around the corner? We know job hunting can be daunting, so we’ll use our industry knowledge and far-reaching network to match you with the career opportunities that are right for you. Fill out the form below to share more about you, your professional experiences, and your interests.

Connect

get-involved-four

Get Involved

get-involved

Students

It is a well-known fact that Aggies’ blood runs maroon before, during and after their time at Texas A&M. For current students, Aggies for Fresh recognizes the significant role that on-campus organizations play during their college years. Therefore, it seemed like a natural fit for Aggies for Fresh to support student organizations that are aligned with our mission and help connect the story of fresh produce to the people who bring agriculture to life on the Texas A&M campus. If you are a current student at Texas A&M and would like to get involved, we suggest connecting with: Sigma Alpha, NAMA, COALS Council, Howdy Farm and Earth Galley Farms.

educators

Educators

Aggies for Fresh would not exist if it weren’t for DMA Solutions, Inc.’s innovative leader, Dan’l Mackey Almy –Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of ’94 (WHOOP!) Dan’l saw the need for passionate people in the fresh produce industry and immediately thought of the dedicated students and alumni of Texas A&M. Dan’l has been a speaker at various industry events, speaks in multiple classes each semester in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and has a passion to spark motivation in the minds of others. If you are an educator looking for Dan’l to speak at a class or event, please email sbockholt@dma-solutions.com.

companies-and-leaders

Companies and Leaders

If your business is looking for hard-working, intelligent students to fill the available positions in your company, Aggies for Fresh is here to help! With this form, we seek to gain a deeper understanding of your expectations and needs. We will take the information you provide and pair you with an Aggie who is seeking a start in the fresh produce industry. We’re constantly seeking leaders to invest their time and expertise in Aggies for Fresh and to serve as mentors to current Texas A&M students. If you’d like to volunteer as a mentor, please email sbockholt@dma-solutions.com.

Looking to financially support Aggies for Fresh? Thank you in advance! We utilize donations to support student organizations, scholarships, and further influence the curriculum at Texas A&M to reflect fresh produce as a viable career option. If you would like to know more about how The Fresh Fund is directly affecting students, please email dalmy@dma-solutions.com

you-are-an-aggie-for-fresh-if-you-are

Aggies for Fresh is for you if you are:

Seeking a career with purpose and meaning

Passionate about food, travel and new experiences

Interested in the agriculture profession

Eager to enter an industry that’s on-trend and continuously in demand – people eat!

Looking to hire talent

testimonials

Testimonials

“Dan’l attended one of my classes at Texas A&M as a guest speaker to talk about the fresh produce industry. I didn’t know then, but that would change my life. During her lecture she talked about her journey to founding DMA Solutions and Aggies for Fresh. However, what really caught my attention was when she called fresh produce “sexy.” I would have never described the industry as that on my own, but I’m glad she did because it fits perfectly.”

Anna Dement ‘17
“I met Dan’l at a talk she gave at Texas A&M about the fresh produce industry. Thanks to her, I was led to the perfect career opportunity for me as a food safety specialist at Rio Fresh. I urge other Aggie students to get in contact with Aggies for Fresh and take advantage of unique opportunities such as the Viva Fresh Expo.”

Alonso Villaran ‘16
“The day Viva Fresh started and I met the rest of Aggies for Fresh, I became struck with a sense of family. Everyone I met was cheerful, passionate, and genuine. When I walked into the exhibit hall, I knew at that moment that that is where I wanted to be.”

Ashely Lewis ‘17
“I fell in love with the industry on the first day of the Viva Fresh Expo. I could not get over what a sexy industry the fresh produce industry is and how passionate everyone is about it. My entire life I have dreamed of finding a job that I am truly passionate about, and now I know this is where I need to be.”

Ashley Seidenberger ‘17
“If you are interested in the fresh produce industry, you have to attend the Viva Fresh Expo or at least try to. The contacts that you will make, along with the experience, are well worth your time and will improve your chance of success in the future in whatever industry you decide to pursue. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity I was given.”

Forrest Dyer ‘17
“The Viva Fresh experience was incredible and I am forever grateful to have been chosen to be part of it. I can honestly say I found my fit. I left the conference with such an appreciation for just how the food on my plate got there, as well as having lifelong friends from this program.”

Gabrielle Cowart ’17
“It was easy to see that everyone was passionate about fresh produce, but it was especially encouraging to hear the producers speak about their operations and really swell with pride while sharing their farm and business adventure and experience. Since the expo, I have had great fun doing research on the companies I made contact with and keeping contact with many that share mutual interest.”

Jonathan Prieto ’17
“Aggies for Fresh gave me the fantastic opportunity to experience the fresh produce industry firsthand. Throughout the Viva Fresh conference, I saw the level of community that was represented. It doesn’t take long to see that people working in fresh produce really love their work and are excited about it!”

Katy Crocker ‘16
“My mentorship call with Dan’l was so helpful and made me feel much more confident in what I want to do in my career! She is so personable, and I find it honorable that she takes time out of her hectic schedule to help out Aggies like myself.”

KRISTA CHESTER ’17
“I was pleasantly surprised about how everything Dan’l said in her talk resonated with me. I never dreamed there would be a career that would allow me to do marketing and work with food!”

Maysen Mapes ’18
“I met Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team at a career fair and immediately felt like I had found my tribe. Their brochure said “Aggies for Fresh is for you if you are: seeking a career with purpose and meaning, passionate about food, travel and new experiences and are interested in solving agricultural needs around the world” which is everything I want out of life and in a career.”

McKenna Kolbasinski ’18
“Aggies for Fresh is dedicated to exposing students to the fresh produce industry as well as aid in opening doors for students. I was drawn to the fact that the work in the fresh produce industry is different every day, there are passionate people striving to work towards the greater good and I love that this industry is making a difference in peoples’ lives!”

Sarah Bockholt ’16
“My experience at Viva Fresh solidified my desire to be a part of the fresh produce industry. Every single person I came in contact with had such a welcoming personality and a want to tell me about what they do, and the impact they make on the industry. I want to thank Dan’l and the rest of the DMA Solutions team for taking their time to mentor us and making this opportunity possible.”

Shelby Barrow ’17
“I am extremely grateful for Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team for the opportunity to network in the different aspects of the produce industry. They gave us so much advice and support about networking that I will remember for the rest of my career.”

Victor Flores ’17
“Attending the Viva Fresh Expo has, without a doubt, been one of the most amazing opportunities I have been granted as a student. The expo allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how the fresh produce industry works and I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to attend this year’s tradeshow.”

Victoria De Leon ’17

“Dan’l attended one of my classes at Texas A&M as a guest speaker to talk about the fresh produce industry. I didn’t know then, but that would change my life. During her lecture she talked about her journey to founding DMA Solutions and Aggies for Fresh. However, what really caught my attention was when she called fresh produce “sexy.” I would have never described the industry as that on my own, but I’m glad she did because it fits perfectly.”

Anna Dement ‘17
“I met Dan’l at a talk she gave at Texas A&M about the fresh produce industry. Thanks to her, I was led to the perfect career opportunity for me as a food safety specialist at Rio Fresh. I urge other Aggie students to get in contact with Aggies for Fresh and take advantage of unique opportunities such as the Viva Fresh Expo.”

Alonso Villaran ‘16
“The day Viva Fresh started and I met the rest of Aggies for Fresh, I became struck with a sense of family. Everyone I met was cheerful, passionate, and genuine. When I walked into the exhibit hall, I knew at that moment that that is where I wanted to be.”

Ashely Lewis ‘17
“I fell in love with the industry on the first day of the Viva Fresh Expo. I could not get over what a sexy industry the fresh produce industry is and how passionate everyone is about it. My entire life I have dreamed of finding a job that I am truly passionate about, and now I know this is where I need to be.”

Ashley Seidenberger ‘17
“If you are interested in the fresh produce industry, you have to attend the Viva Fresh Expo or at least try to. The contacts that you will make, along with the experience, are well worth your time and will improve your chance of success in the future in whatever industry you decide to pursue. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity I was given.”

Forrest Dyer ‘17
“The Viva Fresh experience was incredible and I am forever grateful to have been chosen to be part of it. I can honestly say I found my fit. I left the conference with such an appreciation for just how the food on my plate got there, as well as having lifelong friends from this program.”

Gabrielle Cowart ’17
“It was easy to see that everyone was passionate about fresh produce, but it was especially encouraging to hear the producers speak about their operations and really swell with pride while sharing their farm and business adventure and experience. Since the expo, I have had great fun doing research on the companies I made contact with and keeping contact with many that share mutual interest.”

Jonathan Prieto ’17
“Aggies for Fresh gave me the fantastic opportunity to experience the fresh produce industry firsthand. Throughout the Viva Fresh conference, I saw the level of community that was represented. It doesn’t take long to see that people working in fresh produce really love their work and are excited about it!”

Katy Crocker ‘16
“My mentorship call with Dan’l was so helpful and made me feel much more confident in what I want to do in my career! She is so personable, and I find it honorable that she takes time out of her hectic schedule to help out Aggies like myself.”

KRISTA CHESTER ’17
“I was pleasantly surprised about how everything Dan’l said in her talk resonated with me. I never dreamed there would be a career that would allow me to do marketing and work with food!”

Maysen Mapes ’18
“I met Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team at a career fair and immediately felt like I had found my tribe. Their brochure said “Aggies for Fresh is for you if you are: seeking a career with purpose and meaning, passionate about food, travel and new experiences and are interested in solving agricultural needs around the world” which is everything I want out of life and in a career.”

McKenna Kolbasinski ’18
“Aggies for Fresh is dedicated to exposing students to the fresh produce industry as well as aid in opening doors for students. I was drawn to the fact that the work in the fresh produce industry is different every day, there are passionate people striving to work towards the greater good and I love that this industry is making a difference in peoples’ lives!”

Sarah Bockholt ’16
“My experience at Viva Fresh solidified my desire to be a part of the fresh produce industry. Every single person I came in contact with had such a welcoming personality and a want to tell me about what they do, and the impact they make on the industry. I want to thank Dan’l and the rest of the DMA Solutions team for taking their time to mentor us and making this opportunity possible.”

Shelby Barrow ’17
“I am extremely grateful for Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team for the opportunity to network in the different aspects of the produce industry. They gave us so much advice and support about networking that I will remember for the rest of my career.”

Victor Flores ’17
“Attending the Viva Fresh Expo has, without a doubt, been one of the most amazing opportunities I have been granted as a student. The expo allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how the fresh produce industry works and I feel very fortunate to have been chosen to attend this year’s tradeshow.”

Victoria De Leon ’17

scholarship-two

Scholarships

Aggies for Fresh and the Texas International Produce Association are proud to offer up to 10 Aggies a unique career experience at a premier fresh produce industry event.

San Antonio, Texas | April 25 – 27, 2019

Learn More

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Events

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A campaign to inspire Texas A&M University students to pursue a purpose-driven career in fresh produce.

Global Industry

days a year.

Year Founded

Drew & Dan’l Mackey Almy

DMA Solutions

Drew & Dan’l Mackey Almy

DMA Solutions

Career Mentorship

Internships

Leadership Development

Careers

Students

Educators

Companies and Leaders

Seeking a career with purpose and meaning

Passionate about food, travel and new experiences

Interested in the agriculture profession

Eager to enter an industry that’s on-trend and continuously in demand – people eat!

Looking to hire talent

“The day Viva Fresh started and I met the rest of Aggies for Fresh, I became struck with a sense of family. Everyone I met was cheerful, passionate, and genuine. When I walked into the exhibit hall, I knew at that moment that that is where I wanted to be.”

“The Viva Fresh experience was incredible and I am forever grateful to have been chosen to be part of it. I can honestly say I found my fit. I left the conference with such an appreciation for just how the food on my plate got there, as well as having lifelong friends from this program.”

“My mentorship call with Dan’l was so helpful and made me feel much more confident in what I want to do in my career! She is so personable, and I find it honorable that she takes time out of her hectic schedule to help out Aggies like myself.”

“I was pleasantly surprised about how everything Dan’l said in her talk resonated with me. I never dreamed there would be a career that would allow me to do marketing and work with food!”

“I am extremely grateful for Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team for the opportunity to network in the different aspects of the produce industry. They gave us so much advice and support about networking that I will remember for the rest of my career.”

“The day Viva Fresh started and I met the rest of Aggies for Fresh, I became struck with a sense of family. Everyone I met was cheerful, passionate, and genuine. When I walked into the exhibit hall, I knew at that moment that that is where I wanted to be.”

“The Viva Fresh experience was incredible and I am forever grateful to have been chosen to be part of it. I can honestly say I found my fit. I left the conference with such an appreciation for just how the food on my plate got there, as well as having lifelong friends from this program.”

“My mentorship call with Dan’l was so helpful and made me feel much more confident in what I want to do in my career! She is so personable, and I find it honorable that she takes time out of her hectic schedule to help out Aggies like myself.”

“I was pleasantly surprised about how everything Dan’l said in her talk resonated with me. I never dreamed there would be a career that would allow me to do marketing and work with food!”

“I am extremely grateful for Dan’l and the DMA Solutions team for the opportunity to network in the different aspects of the produce industry. They gave us so much advice and support about networking that I will remember for the rest of my career.”

Take the first step toward your career choice in fresh produce! We can’t wait to hear from you.

A campaign to inspire Texas A&M University students to pursue a
purpose-driven career in fresh produce.