We know that companies who invest in PMA’s Gold Circle campaign enjoy the visibility opportunities that it provides – but they also expect that their investment will deliver concrete value to the industry – and PMA has certainly delivered on that expectation this year. Your Gold Circle contribution supports a range of PMA food safety activities. Here are the most recent highlights:

• A successful first Research Symposium by the UC Davis Center for Produce Safety (CPS): In June of this year, the PMA-founded CPS reported its first research results at an international symposium attended by food safety leaders from the private and public sectors. Summaries of these projects have just been posted to the CPS website.

• New food safety research funding: In March, the Technical Committee that directs the CPS research program, chaired by PMA Chief Science & Technology Officer Dr. Bob Whitaker, issued its latest request for research proposals, with $3 million available. CPS has already funded 24 research proposals totaling $3.8 million.

• New food safety workshops for local growers: A collaboration initiated this spring between PMA and foodservice distribution leader Sysco Corporation resulted in the August launch of workshops to bring much-needed produce food safety training to local growers. PMA will be announcing this new series next week – you heard it here first!

• New traceability symposia: This spring PMA hired Ed Treacy as Vice President of Supply Chain Efficiencies. Ed immediately helped develop our new Traceability Symposia, designed to help industry harness the business efficiencies and food safety response benefits of enhanced produce traceability. The first symposium was held before a sold-out audience earlier this month.

• Expertise offered: This spring PMA’s food safety team hosted field tours for senior officials and technical staff of the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Most recently, PMA’s Dr. Bob provided extensive comments in response to FDA’s request for information on produce safety preventive controls.

• Expertise recognized: In recognition of his expertise and leadership, PMA’s Dr. Bob was named to the National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria for Foods.

• The most up-to-date information provided: PMA provided new information and education through our blogs, including an insightful series on third-party audits that aired on Ask Dr. Bob, and food safety legislative updates on Field to Fork.

Become a contributor today and see how Gold Circle can help you make the most of your marketing budget. Or call PMA at +1 (302) 738-7100.