IFPA is a new association formed under the leadership of the two previous leading fresh produce and floral associations, United Fresh Produce Association and Produce Marketing Association. However, the new organization is not simply a combination of these two organizations, but rather a new entity with a cohesive focus.

IFPA will serve to advocate nationally and globally for the fresh supply chains through government advocacy and leadership, especially in the North American market. The association will also continue to grow connections within the industry, and between the industry and the world, for the better outcomes of both. It will also guide the industry and partners with unmatched expertise both on the IFPA team and through volunteer leaders.  

The association will be led by Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel, along with a team of experts from food safety and technology to retail and engagement. Additionally, the association will be guided by the industry volunteer leaders on the board and the executive committee.  

The IFPA Executive Committee is led by IFPA Chairman Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms. Laura Himes, Divisional Merchandise Manager for Produce at Walmart, serves as Chair-elect and Patrick Vizzone, Head of Food, Beverage and Agribusiness at ANZ Banking, serves as Secretary-treasurer. Past chairs include United Fresh Chairman Danny Dumas, President of Courchesne Larose USA Inc., and PMA Chairman Dwight Ferguson, President and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Martha Hilton, Vice President, Produce and Floral Merchandising at Wegmans Food Markets, serves as the first IFPA Foundation Chair.

For more information about IFPA, visit www.freshproduce.com. All further inquiries can be made to Director of Communications Siobhan May: smay@freshproduce.com.