Register Now for the FPAA Spring Policy & North American Produce Food Safety Summits

Spring is here and so is one of the most important events for the fresh produce industry! Industry members are invited to Tubac, AZ, on April 2-3 for two days of engaging discussions, valuable networking, and the latest industry insights at the Spring Policy Summit and the North American Produce Food Safety Summit—hosted by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA). 

“FPAA’s Spring Policy Summit has been where the importing and distributing community comes together to talk about common sense solutions to problems that vex the industry, and this year will be no different,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer.

The event is broken out into two focus days which allows individuals to tailor participation to one day or both days, depending on their area of focus. 

WHAT TO EXPECT 

At the Spring Policy Summit (April 2), the FPAA is cultivating a line-up of top experts to discuss the most pressing issues in trade, policy, and the future of fresh produce. Speakers include: 

Virginia Bullington (Wilson Center, Mexico Institute) discussing social responsibility, environmental monitoring, and the role of agriculture in U.S.-Mexico relations.

• Marion Avril (AHIFORES) and Ana Ambrosi (Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association) on social responsibility and sustainable practices.

• Paul Brierley (Arizona Department of Agriculture), George Frisvold (University of Arizona), Luis Ribera (Texas A&M University), Skip Hulett (NatureSweet), John Pandol (Pandol Brothers), and Ana Ambrosi (Avocados From Mexico) will discuss the potential impacts of tariffs in a special Tariff Town Hall moderated by Brian Kuehl (Farmers for Free Trade).

• Garrick Taylor (Border Trade Alliance) and Brian Kuehl (Farmers for Free Trade), moderated by Lance Jungmeyer (FPAA), will address navigating the evolving U.S.-Mexico trade landscape.

• Guillermo Valencia (Nogales Port Authority), Matt Rhodes (USDA/APHIS), and Lance Jungmeyer (FPAA) will provide updates on regulatory developments, inspections, and FPAA’s efforts to improve refrigerated inspection capacity.

• Guadalupe Ramírez (U.S. Customs & Border Protection) will highlight emerging trends in Customs and Border Protection inspection measures.

Attendees will wrap up the day with a networking reception so that important conversations facing the industry can continue one-on-one.  

The North American Produce Food Safety Summit (April 3) is all about keeping the industry up to date and in compliance with changing regulations and requirements. Sessions will cover FDA’s new Ag Water Rule, traceability requirements, and food safety audits, while also preparing companies for what to expect when the FDA comes to perform inspections. 

Speakers include: 

• Betsy Bihn (Produce Safety Alliance) presenting on FDA’s new Agricultural Water Rule compliance.

• Jennifer McEntire (Food Safety Strategy) discussing FDA’s chemical safety priorities and traceability requirements.

• Jeff Hall (Canadian Produce Marketing Association) and Mathilde Rivera (A&W), moderated by Walter Ram (Giumarra Cos.), exploring how to select the right food safety audit.

• Jennifer McEntire (Food Safety Strategy) offering guidance on handling FDA inspections.

The FPAA has created an informative, proactive, and engaging two days, and industry members are encouraged to reserve a seat at the table.  Whether a person is focused on trade, policy, or food safety, these events are designed to give people the knowledge and connections to navigate the future successfully. 

🔗 Register now 

📩 Want to sponsor? Let’s chat! (saul@freshfrommexico.com)

The FPAA looks forward to welcoming industry friends in April. 

 

 

About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in marketing, importing, and distributing fresh produce.

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