US (CA): Naturipe Farms announces new director

Naturipe Farms has announced the appointment of Donna Lynn Johnson as the Director of Food Safety and Social Responsibility. Donna Lynn commenced in the role on July 2nd.

In her role, Donna Lynn will work to assure that the essential elements of the company’s products are monitored including social responsibility, food quality, food safety, food security, GAP farm practices and customer food safety compliance.

"Donna Lynn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the entire Naturipe Farms organization," said Dwight Ferguson, CEO of Naturipe Farms. "She has a keen understanding and appreciation for the complexities, challenges and systems that we manage in order to deliver safe, healthy and great tasting berries."

Donna has worked in a variety of food safety and quality assurance positions at companies including Safeway, Dole and Greenline Foods. Most recently she’s been an independent food safety consultant to clients in the US and Mexico including Taylor Farms, River Point Farms and Herb Thyme. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from California State Polytechnic University at San Luis Obispo and is active with several produce industry associations and task forces including the Harmonized GAP working group, United Fresh’s Food Safety and Technology Committee and the Produce Safety Alliance.

"I am delighted to join Naturipe Farms with their global focus on the berry category," said Donna Lynn. "The great health and taste attributes of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries make them a favorite for consumers, and, as a result, retailers and restaurant operators continue to expand the category. It’s exciting to have an opportunity to work with the grower owners of Naturipe Farms and to be a resource for the customers who continue to capitalize on the popularity of berries.
I am truly excited to work for a company that authentically cares about being on the forefront of food safety and social responsibility. I am looking forward to working with all the growers worldwide and helping them, or I should say us, be the best we can be!"

Donna Lynn Johnson will report directly to the CEO, Dwight Ferguson. She is based at the company's headquarters location in Salinas.

For more information:
Kyla Garnett
Naturipe Farms LLC
Tel: +1 831-785-5936
Mob: +1 831-214-2062
Fax: +1 831-722-0231
[email protected]
www.naturipefarms.com