IRVINGTON, NY - BrightFarms, of indoor leafy greens fame, has a rather prestigious announcement to make. Its Founder and President, Paul Lightfoot, was recently appointed to the USDA’s Fruit & Vegetable Advisory Committee (FVIAC) by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue.

“I am pleased to join the FVIAC and to advise Secretary Perdue on matters related to the fruit and vegetable industry,” stated Lightfoot in a press release. “Safe, sustainable, and nutritious fruits and vegetables are critical to our nation. I look forward to working with other members on important issues like supply chain resilience, climate change, and food safety.”

Lightfoot is a unique addition to the committee as a representative from the local indoor leafy greens industry. His two-year term begins immediately.

The FVIAC is meant to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the fruit and vegetable industry and its membership is currently comprised of key leaders from the produce industry, including growers, shippers, retailers, and processors.

For those who know him, Lightfoot is a self-described healthy and sustainable food advocate and continues to lead BrightFarms on its mission to provide retailers with the freshest and most responsibly grown local produce.

In addition to FVIAC, Lightfoot also sits on the board of the United Fresh Produce Association and is the Founder and Chairman of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Food Safety Coalition.

Congratulations to Paul on this achievement!

BrightFarms