Association's Spring Policy Summit brings regulators and the fresh produce industry together

Supply chain logistics,  food safety, social responsibility and U.S.-Mexico trade issues were hot topics at the March 16 Spring Policy Summit, hosted by the Nogales, Ariz.-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas.

The event featured a  detailed discussion about the U.S. International Trade Commission squash and cucumber report, according to a news release.

“We were impressed by the knowledge and engagement from the government officials and industry,”  association Chairman Leonardo Tarriba said in the release. He's also general manager of Nogales-based Farmer’s Best. “It was a great function, with great sessions and speakers. I really enjoyed and appreciated the topics.”

Fresh Produce Association President Lance Jungmeyer said in the release that the event’s audience was eager to dive into issues that impact the day-to-day business at the border. 

“That’s what’s so special about this event, the way so many issues and subject matter experts coincide into one room for a few hours of intense dialogue,” Jungmeyer said in the release.

The release said speakers at the event included:

• Marion Avril Secretary, AHIFORES;
• Todd Cato, southwest Import District Director, U.S. Food and Drug Administration;
• Steve Eguino Federal/State Inspection Management Branch, USDA;
• Emily Griep Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Global Food Safety Standards, International Fresh Produce Association;
• Kelly Heape,  lieutenant colonel, Arizona Department of Public Safety;
• AnnMarie Highsmith Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
• Demetrio Kyriakis President, K&K International Logistics;
• Adams Lee Trade Attorney, Harris Bricken;
• Jim Mullen COO, TuSimple;
• Andrew Orozco Captain, Border Liaison Unit, Arizona Department of Transportation;
• Guadalupe Ramirez Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection;
• Mark Sanders Director of the Office of International Affairs, Arizona Department of Transportation;

The event concluded with a closing reception hosted by the FPAA and the Border Trade Alliance, according to the release. Sponsors for the event were iFoodDS, Western Union, and Sunridge Nurseries, the release said.

FPAA’s 53rd Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 3-5.