WOODLAND, Calif. – With its signal annual Research Symposium only a fortnight away, more companies from across the fresh produce supply chain are signing on to support the Center for Produce Safety's (CPS) Campaign for Produce Safety. Additional contributors include (in alphabetical order) Agricola El Toro, California Citrus Quality Council, Castellini Group of Companies, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Freshway Foods, The Oppenheimer Group, organicgirl and The Wonderful Company.
Industry can see CPS research funds in action at its 2016 Research Symposium later this month.
To date, the "Funding Science, Finding Solutions"-themed campaign has raised more than $10.4 million since it was publicly launched in September. CPS is seeking to raise $20 million over the next five years to fund critically needed, actionable produce safety research.
The California Citrus Quality Council works to ensure that the state's citrus production meets domestic and international regulatory standards, including food safety. "The Center for Produce Safety is developing knowledge and practical tools that everyone can use to improve food safety throughout the produce industry," said Jim Cranney, the council's president. "The California citrus industry is pleased to partner with CPS as we strive to meet food safety expectations of regulators, the marketplace and consumers."
JV Smith Companies' Agricola El Toro Mexico-based farming operation grows, packs and ships premium organic vegetables. "Food safety is the most important aspect of our business, wherever our production areas are located," stated Vic Smith, CEO of JV Smith Companies. "We are supporting the CPS Campaign for Produce Safety through our Mexico business unit because research is the key to continuous improvement, and the knowledge CPS has transferred since its inception has proven to us that this is one of the best investments we can make for our future."
The Oppenheimer Group partners with growers around the globe to deliver over 100 varieties of produce from more than 25 countries. "The safety of fresh fruits and vegetables is one of our industry's most critical concerns, and we have taken it very seriously at Oppy for a long time," said John Anderson, president, chairman and CEO of The Oppenheimer Group. "We appreciate this opportunity to invest in the future of the produce community and the health and well-being of consumers worldwide."
CPS research results on display at Seattle symposium
CPS's 2016 Research Symposium will be a great place to see the center's research funds in action. Food safety research scientists, produce industry leaders, government officials and others will gather Seattle, Wash., June 28-29, to connect with one another and learn about the most recent produce-specific food safety research. For more information and to register, visit www.centerforproducesafety.org/cps_symposium.php.
"It is because of CPS's unique mission that it has been able to achieve so much at such a young age," said Stephen Patricio, chairman of CPS's Board of Directors. "The Campaign for Produce Safety is designed to ensure that CPS has the funding to continue into its adulthood."
Contributions to date
The following companies and organizations have contributed to the Campaign for Produce Safety as of June 8, 2016.To contribute and join these industry leaders, contact Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, CPS executive director, by telephone at 530-554-9706 or by email at bonnie@centerforproducesafety.org.
Companies and organizations noted with asterisks have given not only to the Campaign for Produce Safety, but also to past CPS fundraising efforts:
Contribution of $1,000,000+
Produce Marketing Association *
Taylor Farms *
Western Growers
Contribution of $500,000 – $999,999
Washington State Tree Fruit Association
California Fresh Fruit Association
Dole
Fresh Express, Incorporated
Contribution of $250,000 – $499,999
Agricola El Toro
California Melon Research Board * / California Cantaloupe Advisory Board *
Georgia Pacific *
Sysco
Tanimura & Antle *
The Wonderful Company
Contribution of $100,000 – $249,999
GreenGate Fresh
JV Smith Companies *
Lipman Produce
Pacific International Marketing
Target Corporation
Wegman Family Charitable Foundation
Western Precooling Systems
Bolthouse Farms
Church Brothers / True Leaf Farms
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
International Paper *
Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce
California Citrus Quality Council
Castellini Group of Companies *
Driscoll's *
Florida Tomato Committee *
Freshway Foods
Markon Cooperative, Inc. *
McEntire Produce, Inc.
Monterey Mushrooms, Inc. *
The Oppenheimer Group
organicgirl
Ready Pac Foods, Inc.
Contribution up to $99,999
Sunview Marketing International *
4Earth Farms
Amigo Farms
H-E-B *
Coastline Family Farms, Inc.
Martori Farms
Mission Produce, Inc.
National Watermelon Association
New York Apple Association
Santa Rosa Produce
Tree Top, Inc.
Loblaw Companies Limited
California Pear Advisory Board
California Tomato Farmers
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association
Giant Eagle, Inc.
Texas International Produce Association
Michigan Apple Committee
Monsanto Company *
Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program
Pasquinelli Produce Company
Procacci Brothers Sales Corp.
Diversified Restaurant Systems, Inc.
New York Apple Sales, Inc.
Rice Fruit Company
California Pepper Commission
CPS, a non-profit foundation, is focused exclusively on providing the produce industry and government with open access to science-based information needed to continually enhance produce safety. Since it was founded in 2007, the Center for Produce Safety has provided $18.4 million to fund produce-specific safety research. The Campaign for Produce Safety aims to expand this vital work to close knowledge gaps with science-based research that enhances produce safety in the United States and worldwide.
Source: Center for Produce Safety