Founded in 1998, the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization designed to help meet the public's need for healthy, high quality, safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.  The Foundation offers research and education programs to enhance the produce industry's effectiveness, develop leadership skills at all levels of the industry to better meet public needs, advance produce safety and quality, and increase children's consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The main programs and activities of the Foundation are organized into three core "Program Centers":

• Center for Food Safety, Quality and Nutrition
• Center for Business Management
• Center for Leadership Development

Giving Opportunities

In addition to programming, the Foundation also supports other educational and philanthropic efforts including the Produce for Better Health Foundation and serves as a strong example of the power of giving to support common growth and success.

The Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization and donations to the Foundation are tax deductible. If you would like to make a donation to the Foundation, please contact Victoria Backer to discuss giving opportunities.  

Board of Directors

The Foundation is led by a separate Board of Directors:

Stephen Griffin, Chairman
President, Misionero Vegetables

Karen Caplan, Secretary/Treasurer
President & CEO, Frieda's, Inc.

Tim Fleming, Sr., Vice Chairman
Executive Vice President, Strube Celery & Vegetable Co.

Gary Black
President, Condie's Foods, Inc.

Rick Hanas
Executive Vice President, A. Duda & Sons, Inc.

Joe Mercurio
President & CEO, Joseph Mercurio Produce Corp.

Steve Ottum
Chief Operating Officer, Potandon Produce, L.L.C.

Dan Vaché
Vice President-Food, Sensitech

Sheri Mierau, Ex-Officio
Chairman, Leadership Alumni Organization
President, California Tree Fruit Agreement