The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) hosted a Spring Policy Summit March 14-15, 2023, bringing together industry members to discuss critical issues.
Lance Jungmeyer, president of the FPAA, provided welcoming remarks for the Summit. The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Doug McKalip, chief agricultural negotiator for the U.S. Trade Representatives, who shared insights on U.S.- Mexico trade and the economic importance of the relationship. Dr. Gary Williams, emeritus professor of the Argibusiness Food and Consumer Economics Research Center at Texas A&M University, addressed the state of the industry and its economic impact while FPAA chairman and vice president of sales for Crown Jewels, Rod Sbragia, moderated.
Diego Ley of Del Campo Supreme, Lic. Margarita Velez, Sonora Economic Minister and Lic. Sergio Lugo of AALPUM discussed numerous challenges importers face with timely border crossings. This topic was moderated by Georgina Felix, director of operations and international affairs, FPAA.
State director for U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, Luis Heredia, reported on the opportunities and challenges in Congress impacting Southern Arizona and the produce industry.
One summit highlight was the panel discussion on how the produce industry and USDA can work together to enhance programs like U.S. marketing orders and grade standards. The panel included Heather Pichelman, associate deputy administrator of the specialty crop division; Michelle Sharrow, director of the market development division; and Ryan Wilson, director of the specialty crops inspection division. The USDA team was joined by Javier Badillo of Fresh International, Jorge Donnadieu of Terra Fresh and John Pandol of Pandol Brothers.
The summit included a working luncheon for the North American Food Safety Group, where industry and government experts across the U.S., Mexico and Canada discussed efforts that advance cooperation. Jeff Hall, from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Georgius Gotsis, CEO of Veggies From Mexico, moderated this meeting.
Dr. Mauricio Castelo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and M.C. David Soriano, general director of aquaculture, fisheries and food safety of SENASICA talked about their efforts to increase training, education and other initiatives to help strengthen food safety efforts. FPAA member, Guillermo Martinez of Frello Fresh, moderated this discussion.
Participants also learned from U.S. Customs and Border Protection on how the agency uses technology to improve the efficiency and security of moving commercial goods. Chris Sullivan, director of cargo conveyance and security division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and John Sagle, deputy executive director from the Agriculture Programs and Trade Liaison, U.S. Customs and Border Protection shared insights.
The FPAA’s next event is its 54th Annual Convention under a new name and layout, the Southwest International Expo November 2-4, 2023 in Tucson at Lowes Ventana Canyon. To learn more, please email/call Emmis Yubeta at emmis@freshfrommexico.com or 520-470-7356.
For more information:
Lance Jungmeyer
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
lance@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com
Allison Moore
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
amoore@freshfrommexico.com
www.freshfrommexico.com