Grower-Shippers United to Make a Difference

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.

United Fresh Produce Association is unique among produce organizations in serving each segment of the industry with its own Market Segment Board. From farm to table, every member makes a difference at United. No matter what market segment you're in, United Fresh is your home for advancing the produce industry, and growing your own business!

Grower-Shipper Leadership

As a grower-shipper, you are the cornerstone of United Fresh. From the smallest grower to the largest produce shippers, you bring to market the freshest, highest quality fruits and vegetables that will ultimately delight our customers.

The United Fresh Grower-Shipper Board consists of 22 business leaders from all walks of our industry, representing different commodities, growing regions and all types of companies. From family businesses to multinational companies, we come together to focus exclusively on the needs and challenges facing grower-shippers. That laser focus on your profitability helps us develop programs and services crafted specifically for your business. Just look at how you will benefit as a grower-shipper through United's programs:

• Advocacy for grower-shipper needs through your own board, developing educational programs and policy positions reflecting your views.
• The unique United Fresh annual convention bringing together both your customers and suppliers. Business suites to meet with customers, food safety and traceability demo centers to learn, the Fresh Marketplace expo for those wanting to showcase new products, and the FreshTech expo to search for new tools, technologies, equipment and services to increase profitability within your own company.
• Association expertise and consultation in food safety, crisis communications, legal and regulatory affairs.
• Opportunities to make your voice heard in Washington, DC, whether in person at the Washington Public Policy Conference or studying issues online and then contacting your congressman through our grassroots website portal.
• Training and education for your entire staff, including managing product recalls, food safety practices, crisis communication, produce quality inspection, sustainability and environmental issues, and more.
• Access to Ivy-League advanced education at our Produce Executive Development Program at Cornell University.
• Complimentary access to Fresh Facts on Retail, which provides quarterly sales and volume comparisons to help you better understand your market.

These are just a few of the direct benefits grower-shippers receive as a United Fresh member. For more information, contact Miriam Miller, senior director of membership, or your grower-shipper board staff liaison Ray Gilmer.