International Fresh Produce Association has released its 2024 Annual Impact Report, highlighting its work with and on behalf of the industry over the past year.
IFPA CEO Cathy Burns praised the association’s community and leadership for empowering the organization to advance priorities that matter most to the fresh produce and floral industry.
“As we approached 2024, we talked about advancing the health of consumers, the health of our industries, and the health of the planet,” Burns said in a news release. She added that, throughout last year, IFPA took a seat at global tables that work to:
- Enhance consumption to grow a healthier world, including work to ensure full funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, in the U.S.
- Address ag labor, including a lawsuit against a U.S. H-2A rule that IFPA said would have imperiled companies’ ability to produce fruits, vegetables and floral products.
- Advance sensible solutions for packaging, including stopping a ban on PLU stickers and obtaining an innovative packaging lab grant.
The report details 2024 activities around sustainability, packaging, climate-smart agriculture, labor and talent, and consumption and nutrition.
“Through the collective energy and passion of our members and with partners around the world, we took a seat at global tables to represent our members and our industry — anywhere fresh produce and floral were being discussed,” Burns said.
In addition, IFPA debuted its 2025-27 strategic plan, which Burns called flexible, intentional and inclusive. She said the plan will future-proof the industry, personalize the member experience and exert worldwide influence.
“Belonging to IFPA creates something far bigger than any individual or organization,” Burns said. “We build an enduring force for good, which is essential as we move into the next few years. I appreciate the collective energy and passion our members bring to advance IFPA priorities.”
