AUSTIN, TX - While I know the importance of research and application, I value much more the ability to understand it and exactly how important it is. So, I’m deeply sorry I didn’t get to attend this year’s Center for Produce Safety Research Symposium in Austin, Texas, where the latest cutting-edge technology is being discussed among some of the industry’s top names in produce and food safety.

“The annual Center for Produce Safety Research Symposium provides a unique opportunity for academic, industry, and regulatory scientists to collectively review the latest research in food safety and participate in dialogue regarding its application toward protecting consumers,” De Ann Davis, VP of Food Safety & Quality for Church Brothers Farms, recently shared with me.

This year, De Ann is among those voices contributing to the conversation by way of CPS’s panel How to Fuel Change, along with Cathy Burns, CEO of the Produce Marketing Association; Donna Lynn Browne, Director of Food Safety and Social Responsibility for Naturipe Farms; Suresh DeCosta, Director of Food Safety at Lipman Family Farms; and Walter Ram, Vice President, Food Safety for Giumarra Companies.

“The symposium’s well-constructed agenda, diverse attendance, and plentiful opportunities for networking supports our industry’s ability to rapidly apply new science to food safety practices across the supply chain. Each time I attend the Symposium, I gain a deeper and richer understanding of how to best develop and implement prevention-based food safety controls for our products,” De Ann said.

It is, indeed, a very diverse attendee list. As of June 13, those planning to attend, in addition to those I’ve already named, included:

• Driscoll’s
• H-E-B
• Loblaw
• Markon Cooperative
• Publix
• Rainier Fruit
• Subway
• Taylor Farms
• Target
• Taco Bell
• Tanimura & Antle
• Wegmans Food Markets
• Whole Foods
• Wendy’s
• Walmart

It’s all in Austin, Texas’ the Renaissance Austin Hotel! Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the seeds planted by this key event.

Church Brothers Farms Center for Produce Safety