The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) successfully completed the two-day Spring Policy Summit, where authorities and members of the fresh produce industry gathered to discuss the most relevant topics impacting the import operations of fruits and vegetable distributors.
Some of the topics covered at the event were food safety regulations, the harmonization of food safety laws between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, trade, efficiencies at the border, the incorporation of a new cold storage inspection area at the port of entry and how the industry could take advantage of the Trump Administration’s infrastructure plan.
“We are certain that conversations of this nature move the industry and our local communities into a positive direction of efficiency and growth,” said Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA.
Addressing participants Tammy Switucha, Director of Domestic Food Safety Systems, expert in the Safe Food for Canadians Act and Regulations.
The event, which took place at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, Arizona, on Feb. 28 and March 1, attracted over 100 attendees including business owners, experts in food safety and authorities from the U.S., Mexico and Canada.
Among the speakers were representatives of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and their counterparts from Mexico and Canada, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Mexican Customs, members of the Arizona-Mexico Commission and others.
“The aim of bringing together these players and rulers is to promote the understanding of our industry, the strong relationship existing between U.S. and Mexico and to prepare for changes in the future," added Jungmeyer.
This annual event, organized by FPAA, is in great part responsible for the now successful Unified Cargo Joint Inspections Program implemented in 2016 at the Mariposa Port of Entry. Companies participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program are able to take advantage of the program, which has reduced crossing times from several hours to as little as 24 minutes, according to CBP.
Representatives from CBP and FDA explained how C-TPAT will be linked to future trusted trader programs, including the Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP) from FDA.
Contact:
Lance Jungmeyer
FPAA
Tel: (520)-287-2707