Industry Leaders Reinforce Commitment to Food Safety Through Renewed Support for CPS; Tim Riley and Joe Pezzini Comment



Industry Leaders Reinforce Commitment to Food Safety Through Renewed Support for CPS; Tim Riley and Joe Pezzini Comment



WOODLAND, CA - The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) acknowledges industry leaders renewing their financial commitments to advance fresh produce food safety. Their continued support fuels critical research that protects public health and strengthens consumer confidence in the food supply chain. CPS invites all industry stakeholders to contribute to this vital mission.

  • Honoring Our Renewing Supporters
    • Silver Contributors ($100k – $249k)
    • Western Precooling
    • Steinbeck Country Produce
    • The Giumarra Companies
  • Bronze Plus Contributor ($50k – $99k)
    • The Oppenheimer Group (OPPY)
Tim Riley, President, The Giumarra Companies
Tim Riley, President, Giumarra Companies

“Food safety strengthens our entire industry,” said Tim Riley, President of The Giumarra Companies, in a recent press release. “By partnering with CPS, we are investing in solutions that safeguard consumers and the entire produce supply chain.”

Joe Pezzini, Chair, Center for Produce Safety and Senior Director of Agricultural Operations, Taylor Farms
Joe Pezzini, Chair, Center for Produce Safety and Senior Director of Agricultural Operations, Taylor Farms

Joe Pezzini, Chair of the CPS Board of Directors and Taylor Farms’ Senior Director of Agricultural Operations, echoed the importance of continued financial support. “These contributions support essential research that delivers actionable, science-based solutions to emerging food safety challenges.”

Investing in Food Safety Research

Since 2007, CPS has funded 236 research projects across 48 institutions worldwide, investing over $46.5 million in food safety advancements. These projects enhance safety in production, packing, processing, and distribution.

Key Research Highlights:

  • Annual grant programs tackling the produce industry’s most pressing needs.
  • Rapid-response research to address urgent food safety concerns.
  • Comprehensive studies aimed at improving food safety protocols across the supply chain.
The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) acknowledges industry leaders renewing their financial commitments to advance fresh produce food safety

“Our success stems from the unwavering dedication of our partners,” added Pezzini. “Their investments help us deliver impactful research that addresses the complexities of modern food safety. Together, we are shaping the future of produce safety.”

Encouraging Renewals and New Commitments

CPS calls on all industry stakeholders to renew their support or make an initial contribution. Every financial commitment directly funds research that drives meaningful change in food safety.

Be part of the conversation at the 2025 CPS Research Symposium, June 17-18, in La Jolla, California. Connect with industry leaders, researchers, and food safety professionals while exploring the latest advancements in produce safety.



Companies in this Story


Center For Produce Safety

The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is a collaborative partnership that leverages the combined expertise of industry,…