January marks the beginning of the new International Fresh Produce Association.
Leaders say the association is the largest industry association representing the interests, individuals and organizations across the global supply chain.
The association is led by Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel.
“The challenges we are facing today span the entire consumption continuum, from food insecurity on one end to food waste on the other,” Burns said in a news release. “From changing climate patterns to shifting geopolitical environments, we understand that the stakes have never been so high, not only for the livelihood of our industry, but for the world. The Fresh produce industry offers solutions to almost every major global health and economic challenge, and we are looking forward to welcoming others to join our efforts.”
IFPA is a new association formed under the leadership of the two previous leading fresh produce and floral associations, United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association (PMA).
“Our association is not only for our members, but it is also driven by the engaged leadership of our volunteer leaders, as well,” Stenzel said in the release. “We were thrilled to receive over 1,000 applications from volunteers across the industry, a sign of support for our association, but also an indication of the enthusiasm and urgency that our industry feels about the role we have to play in today’s global environment. We exist to create a vibrant future, not just for our industry, but for all.”
The IFPA Executive Committee is led by IFPA Chairman Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms. Laura Himes, divisional merchandise manager for produce at Walmart, serves as chair-elect and Patrick Vizzone, head of food, beverage and agribusiness at ANZ Banking, serves as secretary-treasurer, according to the release.
Past United Fresh and PMA chairs include United Fresh Chairman Danny Dumas, president of Courchesne Larose USA Inc., and PMA Chairman Dwight Ferguson, president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Martha Hilton, vice president of produce and floral merchandising at Wegmans Food Markets, serves as the first IFPA Foundation chair, according to the release.
For more information about the association, visit www.freshproduce.com.
