SPS provided an opportunity to identify practical, goal-oriented outcomes for key issues facing the fresh produce industry at the Southwest border.
NOGALES, Az. – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) BB #:144354 held its annual Spring Policy Summit (SPS) on March 16, 2022.
Speakers of various backgrounds covered some of the important and relevant topics impacting the fresh produce industry. This year, the event was focused on supply chain logistics, updates for food safety, social responsibility, and a detailed discussion about the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) squash and cucumber report.
Notable speakers at the event included:
Marion Avril
Secretary, AHIFORES
Todd Cato
Southwest Import District Director, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Steve Eguino
Federal/State Inspection Management Branch, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Emily Griep
Vice President of Regulatory Compliance and Global Food Safety Standards, International Fresh Produce Association
Kelly Heape
Lieutenant Colonel, Arizona Department of Public Safety
AnnMarie Highsmith
Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Demetrio Kyriakis
President, K&K International Logistics
Adams Lee
Trade Attorney, Harris Bricken
Jim Mullen
COO, TuSimple
Andrew Orozco
Captain, Border Liaison Unit, Arizona Department of Transportation
Guadalupe Ramirez
Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Mark Sanders
Director of the Office of International Affairs, Arizona Department of Transportation
Attendees were able to ask questions and provide comments during each session. The event concluded with a Closing Reception hosted by the FPAA and the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) where attendees had the opportunity to learn about what the BTA has been working on in Washington D.C.
“We were impressed by the knowledge and engagement from the government officials and industry” said FPAA Chairman, Leonardo Tarriba of Farmer’s Best. “It was a great function, with great sessions and speakers. I really enjoyed and appreciated the topics.”
“The audience was eager to dive into issues that impact the day-to-day business at the border. That’s what’s so special about this event, the way so many issues and subject matter experts coincide into one room for a few hours of intense dialogue” said FPAA President, Lance Jungmeyer.
Thank you to everyone that participated in our event, and special thanks to our sponsors iFoodDS, Western Union, and Sunridge Nurseries.
Following the success of the annual Spring Policy Summit, FPAA has begun preparations for its 53rd Nogales Produce Convention and Golf Tournament. FPAA is planning to cover a wide range of topics related to the fresh produce industry during the 3-day event on November 3-5, 2022. More details to come.
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 the growth, harvest, marketing, import, and distribution of produce.
