Woodland, California, Feb 17 – The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) BB #:339618 acknowledges industry leaders renewing their financial commitments to advance fresh produce food safety.
Their continued support fuels critical research that protects public health and strengthens consumer confidence in the food supply chain. CPS invites all industry stakeholders to contribute to this vital mission.
Honoring Our Renewing Supporters
- Silver Contributors ($100k – $249k)
- Western Precooling BB #:121794
- Steinbeck Country Produce BB #:126736
- The Giumarra Companies BB #:113366
- Bronze Plus Contributor ($50k – $99k)
- The Oppenheimer Group (OPPY) BB #:116424
“Food safety strengthens our entire industry,” said Tim Riley, President of The Giumarra Companies. “By partnering with CPS, we are investing in solutions that safeguard consumers and the entire produce supply chain.”
Joe Pezzini, Chair of the CPS Board of Directors and Taylor Farms’ Senior Director of Agricultural Operations, echoed the importance of continued financial support. “These contributions support essential research that delivers actionable, science-based solutions to emerging food safety challenges.”
Investing in Food Safety Research
Since 2007, CPS has funded 236 research projects across 48 institutions worldwide, investing over $46.5 million in food safety advancements. These projects enhance safety in production, packing, processing, and distribution.
Key Research Highlights:
- Annual grant programs tackling the produce industry’s most pressing needs.
- Rapid-response research to address urgent food safety concerns.
- Comprehensive studies aimed at improving food safety protocols across the supply chain.
“Our success stems from the unwavering dedication of our partners,” added Pezzini. “Their investments help us deliver impactful research that addresses the complexities of modern food safety. Together, we are shaping the future of produce safety.”
Encouraging Renewals and New Commitments
CPS calls on all industry stakeholders to renew their support or make an initial contribution. Every financial commitment directly funds research that drives meaningful change in food safety.
Be part of the conversation at the 2025 CPS Research Symposium, June 17-18, in La Jolla, California. Connect with industry leaders, researchers, and food safety professionals while exploring the latest advancements in produce safety.
For more information on how to support CPS’s mission to fund science, find solutions, and fuel change, or register for the 2025 CPS Research Symposium, contact Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Executive Director of CPS at bonnie@centerforproducesafety.org.
About Center for Produce Safety
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Produce Safety (CPS) focuses exclusively on funding science, finding solutions and fueling change in fresh produce food safety. The center is a unique partnership, bringing together leaders from industry, government, and the scientific and academic communities. CPS funds credible, independent research worldwide, then transfers that knowledge and tools to industry and other stakeholders through an annual Research Symposium, its website, webinars, trade press guest columns and other outreach. Since it was founded in 2007, Center for Produce Safety has invested more than $46 million to fund produce-specific safety research. For more information, visit www.centerforproducesafety.org.
Contact
Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli
Executive Director, Center for Produce Safety
bonnie@centerforproducesafety.org, (530) 554-9761
