For Immediate Release: March 25, 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of its recent commitment to foster a more open and robust dialogue with the produce industry on traceability, the Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI) Steering Committee today announced the results of a survey of more than 260 industry members selling in the United States.
Designed to evaluate the adoption of the PTI and identify additional support needs for companies doing business in the United States, the survey’s results indicate that the majority of those polled are making progress toward implementing chain-wide, electronic traceability. Conducted by Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh), the survey was complemented by a similar poll of retailers and foodservice outlets that was conducted by the not-for-profit standards organization GS1 US. The Steering Committee also recently reaffirmed its dedication to developing a closer relationship with GS1 US to bring that group’s expertise and operational support to the PTI.
Both survey summaries are available on the Produce Traceability Initiative Web site at www.producetraceability.org. For more information on the PTI or GS1 US surveys, contact the following staff at each organization:
GS1 US: Jon Mellor, [email protected], 609-620-4656
PMA: Julia Stewart, [email protected], 302-738-7100 x3008
United Fresh: Ray Gilmer, [email protected], 202-303-3425
About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association
Based in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) is a not-for-profit organization representing over 770 Canadian and International member companies that are active in the marketing of fresh fruits and vegetables in Canada from the farm gate to the dinner plate. CPMA members represent all segments of the fresh produce industry. CPMA’s vision is to enable and lead the produce industry by enhancing the market and facilitating trade of fresh fruits and vegetables for its members. For more information about CPMA, please visit www.cpma.ca.
About GS1 US
GS1 US, a member of GS1, is an information standards organization that brings industry communities together to solve supply-chain problems through the adoption and implementation of GS1 standards. More than 300,000 businesses in 25 industries rely on GS1 US for trading-partner collaboration and for maximizing the cost effectiveness, speed, visibility, security and sustainability of their business processes. They achieve these benefits through solutions based on GS1 global unique numbering and identification systems, bar codes, Electronic Product Code (EPC®)-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID, data synchronization, and electronic information exchange. GS1 US also manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC®). www.GS1US.org
About Produce Marketing Association (PMA)
Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing business solutions that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit www.pma.com.
About United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh)
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org.