Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Names Walter Ram 2021 Pillar of the Industry; Lance Jungmeyer Discusses
NOGALES, AZ - Honoring a true industry titan, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) recently recognized Walter Ram, Vice President of Food Safety at Giumarra Companies, as the 2021 recipient of its Pillar of the Industry award. This recognition highlights the accomplishments of a fresh produce leader who has volunteered time, effort, and impactful contributions to support the association and the industry as a whole.
Ram is a food safety expert with over 25 years of industry experience, a press release noted. He has dedicated countless hours working with various government agencies to develop food-related plans and guidelines for the entire produce industry, in addition to his role at Giumarra Companies. Throughout his tenured career, Ram has aligned with many groups, including the United Fresh Produce Association’s Food Safety and Technology Council, the Center for Produce Safety Technical Committee, and the CPMA Food Safety Committee.
Ram currently serves as a member of the executive committee for the FPAA, and has been actively participating in the association for over two decades. He was previously named Member of the Year in 2014, and received the United Fresh Technical Award in 2013.
Ram has been instrumental in the success and advancement of the produce industry. In 2006, he was named Co-Chair of the United Fresh Food Safety and Technology Council and became a member of the United Fresh Board of Directors the day before the spinach-related E. coli outbreak, which set new norms for food safety across the industry. In 2007, Ram lobbied the United Fresh Board of Directors to support mandatory food safety legislation, becoming the first fresh produce association to endorse mandatory food safety. And, in 2008, the trailblazer joined an industry group that worked with the FDA to identify the source of a Salmonella saintpaul outbreak.
“This year’s Pillar of the FPAA has held up not only his own company, but countless other FPAA members who have called him for help and technical advice, oftentimes in the middle of a crisis,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA. “Walter has advised Commissioners of FDA, CEOs, and entire produce industry commissions. I can’t tell you how many people have told me how fortunate they have felt when Walter picked up their call. Doing what Walter does requires boldness. Making system-wide changes is neither easy nor popular. But sometimes it’s necessary.”
These accomplishments only scratch the surface of all the contributions Walter Ram has brought to the produce industry. Congratulations to the talented leader on this recent award!
