Produce industry leaders met to discuss the newest developments in PTI and food safety at a seminar in Miami, Florida on September 19. Expert speakers Ed Treacy from Produce Marketing Association and Dan Vaché from United Fresh Produce Association spoke to over 130 produce professionals during this one day event. Attendees represented all segments of the industry from growers to importers to retailers.
The seminar discussed how companies should view and implement new standards and requisites in the U.S. market in traceability and food safety. “This workshop was designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to move them to the next steps in implementing the PTI,” says Priscilla Lleras, Coordinator for PAIA and event organizer. “The response we received to this seminar emphasizes the importance of providing these interchanges with issue experts. This event was organized after the success of our previous PTI and Food Safety workshop in Peru last January.”
Ed Treacy, Vice President of Supply Chain Efficiencies at Produce Marketing Association spoke on the components of PTI and explained the pending implementation dates. His presentation helped attendees identify how they can address the PTI requirements to continue operating as reliable suppliers. Dan Vaché, Vice President of Supply Chain Management for United Fresh Produce Association covered the benefits of PTI from the grower to the consumer and helped attendees better understand produce traceability as an investment to the produce industry.
In addition to the unique perspectives of the keynote speakers, attendees were able to discuss the issues and network with a variety of logistics, traceability and food safety companies during the event. “Having the opportunity to share information and exchange ideas with colleagues in the industry just adds to the value of the information presented by our knowledgeable keynote speakers,” says Lleras.
The seminar was made possible by the generous support of Presenter Sponsors: AFS Technologies, BSI, FoodLink, HarvestMark, and Harvester Gear; and Exhibitor Sponsors: Customized Brokers, Hellman Perishable Logistics, Link Fresh, Locus Traxx, and Port Miami. For more information, contact Priscilla Lleras, 817-793-3133.
Source: Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association
