COOL is Coming September 30: Be Prepared with Best Practices

On September 30, 2008, country of origin labeling goes into effect for fresh produce. Get supply-chain developed guidance on how to manage this issue with the PMA-WGA COOL best practices.

Heres how:

There’s no avoiding it. Country of origin labeling (COOL) is an issue that affects all segments of the supply chain. How will you make sure you’re ready for it?

PMA and Western Growers Association (WGA) have combined forces to offer you an opportunity to learn more about origin labeling as we approach the September 30 deadline. On Tuesday, June 24 at 4:00 p.m. EDT, you are invited to attend a special Webinar entitled, COOL is Coming September 30: Be Prepared with Best Practices.

Why attend this Webinar.

Developed by a supply-chain-wide industry task force, the draft industry best practices for origin labeling address supplier and retailer origin labeling and recordkeeping. These best practices will be a resource that can be utilized by the supply chain for a practical and transparent implementation of country of origin in conjunction with the USDA draft regulations expected to be released, most likely sometime in July. And, at some point after the September 30 deadline, the USDA will likely begin in-store compliance checks.

In the meantime, this document has been prepared to help you:

• provide a framework for supply chain partners to work together to provide country of origin labeling to consumers; and
• provide the industry with guidance that will drive country of origin labeling costs out of the system and reduce unnecessary expenses throughout the entire supply chain—especially during an economic time of multiple inflationary pressures.

Speakers Include:

Kathy Means, Vice President of Government Relations, PMA
Matt McInerney, Executive Vice President, WGA
Thomas Deardorff II, President, Deardorff Family Farms
Mike O’Brien, Vice President of Produce & Floral, Schnuck Markets

This webinar offers you an inside look at COOL, and gives you the chance to get answers to the biggest questions you have regarding this topic. You will:

• Learn about the draft industry best practices for origin labeling, developed by a supply-chain-wide industry task force
• Get the latest on making origin labeling easy for your company and everyone in the supply chain
• Hear an update on the regulatory picture as USDA prepares to release origin labeling rules
• Get on the same page with your peers regarding origin labeling
• Have a chance to ask your questions and get answers

For more information on COOL best practices, please visit http://www.pma.com/issues/labeling.cfm.

About the Speakers

Kathy Means
Vice President of Government Relations, PMA

Kathy joined PMA in 1989 and is responsible for government affairs, public affairs, and self-regulatory programs. She leads the association’s food safety/security efforts. She also represents PMA in the industry on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, Means is one of 34 chosen nationally to sit on the committee. She has a master’s in nonprofit management and bachelor's degrees in journalism and French. 

Matt McInerney
Executive Vice President, Western Growers Association

Matt’s knowledge of industry-wide issues was gained from his extensive duties in the Trade Practices/Commodity Services department. His expertise has gained him recognition as an expert on Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) issues. Matt has had a leadership role in the development of food safety guidance for fresh produce. In 2004, he was appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture to the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and served two terms. Matt serves as Vice Chair of the Alliance for Food and Farming, and is currently a member of the Specialty Crop Committee of the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. He has also served as Chairman of the Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC).

Thomas Deardorff II
President, Deardorff Family Farms

Tom Deardorff II continues a family tradition of service started by his great-grandfather. He is the fourth generation Deardorff to serve on the Western Growers board. Tom graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also received a law degree from Southwestern Law School. Tom is a past chairman of the Ventura County Agricultural Association Board, and is a member of the State Board of Agriculture. He has served on the board since being elected in 2001.

Mike O’Brien
Vice President of Produce & Floral, Schnuck Markets

Mike’s career with Schnuck Markets spans 36 years across a variety of roles, from Store Manager to Division Manager. In 2000, he assumed his current position in produce. Among his career highlights, Mike counts Schnuck Markets’ acquisition of national Food Stores in 1995 which doubled the company’s size. Mike and the Schnuck team closed, inventoried, reset, and reopened 55 stores within 3 days. Mike has been a long-time volunteer leader for PMA, having served as PMA Retail Division Chairman and division director, a director on the PMA Board of Directors, and as a member of the Produce Electronic Identification Board. In addition to his PMA involvement, Mike has served on the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s Board of Trustees for a number of years and was recently PBHF Chairman.