The Woodland, Calif.-based Center for Produce Safety has launched a capital campaign to raise $15 million in five years for food safety research.
“The need to safeguard fresh produce has not paused for the pandemic, so neither can we,” CPS board chairman Vic Smith, president and CEO of J.V. Smith Cos., said in a news release. “If anything, the food safety demands on our industry have increased, as how and where we eat has changed with these times.”
The $15 million for additional research will translate to practical knowledge for industry stakeholders, according to the release. Priorities reflect the produce-centric mission to fund science, find solutions and fuel change to enhance the food safety of fresh produce.
Dozens of industry organizations have already pledged nearly $5 million toward the $15 million goal, Tim Riley, CPS board director, chairman of its Fundraising Committee and president of The Giumarra Cos., said in the release.
“Your donation is not just about funding produce safety research, it’s about making a difference in a future of safer fresh fruits and vegetables,” Riley said in the release. “The Giumarra Cos. did not need to be asked to contribute, we volunteered. We are committed to ‘Feeding the World in a Healthy Way.’ and donating to CPS helps us put that commitment into action.”
Since it was founded in 2007, CPS has invested $32 million to fund produce-specific food safety research worldwide, according to the release. Findings from the research is available at www.centerforproducesafety.org.
“The number of outbreaks associated with leafy greens and other fresh produce reminds us why CPS exists: to generate practical science to increase the safety of all our commodities,” Dave Corsi, past chairman of the CPS board of directors and Wegmans Food Markets’ senior vice president of perishable merchandising, said in the release. “The center succeeds only with the support of this industry. Now we need leaders from across our supply chain to step up and give generously.”
Smith, Corsi and Riley applauded the leadership of diverse organizations that have already made generous commitments to the campaign.
“Many produce safety challenges will be solved through technology and science,” Diane Wetherington, founder and executive chairwoman of first-time CPS contributor iFoodDecisionSciences, said in the release. “As a technology company, we understand the importance of research and development to advance continuous produce safety improvement.”
It has never been more important to find science-based steps that enhance produce food safety, Drew McDonald, chairman of the center’s Technical Committee and Taylor Fresh Foods vice president of quality and food safety.
“CPS has been answering our food safety questions at a rapid pace, but we have much more work to do,” McDonald said in the release. “CPS deserves continued support to help us all fuel produce safety change.”
An updated list of contributors to the fundraising is at www.centerforproducesafety.org/2020-campaign.php.
As of Jan. 15, companies that have pledged donations are:
Diamond Level, $1 million-plus:
- Taylor Farms
- Western Growers
Platinum Level, $500,000-$999,999:
- Dole Fresh Vegetables/Dole Food Co.
Gold Level, $250,000-$499,999;
- California Fresh Fruit Association
- Tanimura & Antle
Silver Level, $100,000-$249,999:
- J.V. Smith Cos.
- Promotora Agricola El Toro
- Western Precooling
- Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic
- McEntire Produce Inc.
- Driscoll’s
- The Giumarra Cos.
- GreenGate Fresh
- iFoodDecisionSciences
- Mission Produce Inc.
- Pacific International Marketing
Bronze-Plus Level, $50,000-$99,999:
- The Oppenheimer Group
- Amigo Farms
- California Avocado Commission
- GoodFarms
- L&M Cos.
Bronze Level, up to $49,999:
- Coastline Family Farms Inc.
- Little Bear Produce
- Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc.
- Diversified Restaurant Systems Inc.
- Florida Tomato Committee
- Tyger Sales and Marketing LLC
- Wish Farms
- National Watermelon Association
- Blue Book Services Inc.
