In a speech before the newly-appointed members of the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee this week, United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel emphasized industry progress on two key initiatives – produce traceability and the harmonization of Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) audits.

"This is not a shy bunch," said Stenzel. "The committee and its members are fully engaged in both topics. It is a great sign for the progress of the industry's efforts."  

United Fresh, which has hosted a reception for the members of the committee since helping get the body itself chartered in 2001, did so again this year, this time in the venerable House of Representatives Agriculture Committee hearing room.

The reception allowed committee members to get to know each other while interacting with USDA officials, congressional staff and other D.C.-based leaders at the forefront of fruit and vegetable issues. 

"United also congratulates former chairman Maureen Marshall of Torrey Farms and member Mike Hollister of Driscoll's, who were elected by their peers to serve as chairman and vice chairman of the committee, respectively," added Stenzel.

In addition to the appointments of Marshall and Hollister, the committee also appointed four working groups - food safety and traceability, commodity procurement of fruits and vegetables, labor and immigration, and a group to provide input on the USDA "Know Your Farmer; Know Your Food" program