2018 Annual Report
Funding Science. Finding Solutions.
Fueling Change.
Change Begins With a Vision That
Fuels Real-World Action
“2018 was a difficult year for fresh produce food safety. Now, let’s imagine a future when we have difficulty recalling the last produce safety event. We look forward to working with you to get there.”
— Dave Corsi, Chair, CPS Board of Directors
CPS by the Numbers
2018 Research Projects Funded
Million Dollars in 2018 Research Funding
Research Projects Funded to Date
Million Dollars in Research Projects Funded to Date
Research Institutions Funded
Countries Represented
2018 Research Symposium Attendees from 7 Countries
2018 Symposium Research Presentations
“Everyone in our produce industry should be willing to participate in CPS. We desperately need more research to guide us towards understanding all of the risks involved in producing healthy food for our consumers. Anything less is extremely short-sighted. Our companies stand to gain tremendous insight to avoid outbreaks that can devastate our markets, and cost millions of dollars in actual and opportunity costs.”
Vic SmithCPS Refocuses to Better Fuel Change
To reflect changing times in produce safety, CPS’s Board of Directors adopted a new strategic plan starting in 2018 that focuses on these priorities:
Facilitate Actionable Research
To be more flexible and responsive, CPS revamped its annual research funding program.
Track 1, Annual Call for Research
To fund research on ongoing topics
CPS called for projects related to Listeria monocytogenes in the supply chain, postharvest preventive controls, and post-harvest interventions.
Track 2, Innovation Challenge Grants
To fund tools that address an immediate industry need
GRABIT grants are funding tools to help growers identify and evaluate pre-harvest risks from animal agriculture in real time – aka “Growers’ Risk Assessment Biomarker Investigative Tools.”
Track 3, Ag Water Treatment
To address an industry research priority
CPS’s focus is on identifying ag water treatment solutions – where and when treatment is appropriate, and what options are available to growers.
Rapid Response Research
Funds urgent topics in coordination with industry partners
“CPS research has created an open and frank discussion about new and evolving risks associated with fresh produce. CPS is enabling greater collaboration between researchers, producers and governments, and the implementation of new control measures to protect consumers around the world. The global supply chain for produce means the work funded by CPS is having an impact internationally.”
Tammy SwituchaFacilitate, Translate and Distribute Knowledge
To convey CPS learnings to industry, our new Knowledge Transfer Task Force is focusing on the executives who set company priorities, and the staff experts who apply new science to company operations.
“Food safety is not critical to our success, it is critical to our survival. The food safety team at Lipman is empowered to drive improvements throughout the industry, not just at our company. CPS keeps the industry focused on collaboration and the need to fund research.”
Kent Shoemaker
Pursue Sustainable Funding
To ensure that CPS’s vital work to enhance fresh produce safety can continue, we must first secure a continued source of funding. Watch for a new fundraising campaign in 2019.
“Supporting Center for Produce Safety is an investment in our business, our industry and our family. We all want healthy safe food for ourselves, our parents, our children and our grandchildren. CPS is the only place that all segments of the supply and demand chain come together with regulatory agencies, academics and research scientists to work collaboratively on the health and safety of our food.”
Steve Patricio
About CPS
A Unique Partnership
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Produce Safety (CPS) brings together leaders from industry, government, and the scientific and academic communities, to work together toward the common goal of enhancing produce safety.
It’s All About the Science
CPS funds credible, independent research worldwide that provides science-based solutions to produce safety.
Knowledge Closes the Loop
CPS then transfers that knowledge and tools to industry and other stakeholders through our annual Research Symposium, our website, news media and other outreach.
“The Institute of Medicine defines public health as ‘what we as a society do collectively to assure the conditions in which people can be healthy.’ Although government has an important role, industry practices actually determine the safety of fresh produce at the point of consumption. CPS identifies research priorities, asks the right questions, and disseminates results by bringing together industry, government, scientific and academic communities. According to research, if conducted properly multidisciplinary teams outperform individuals at decision making and problem solving.”
Art LiangCPS Impact
Key Learning: Fresh Produce Food Safety is a Supply Chain Duty
New CPS research demonstrates that every link in the supply chain can impact produce safety, from farm to retail.
Key Learning: Know Your Water
Management of ag water safety is a key focus area of CPS research. Several CPS research projects offer helpful guidance on the subject.
In the Pipeline: Lm Survival
Amanda Lathrop, Ph.D., is working to help understand when and how Lm grows, survives and dies off on nontraditional fresh-cut salad ingredients.
In the Pipeline: Using Metagenomics to Identify Viruses
Viruses cause roughly half of all foodborne illness outbreaks, yet testing for them on produce is difficult. CPS wants to change that.
Knowledge Closes the Loop
It takes more than new science to bring change – it takes education and knowledge-building. So CPS has added industry outreach to its toolbox.
Leading by Example: Vic Smith
The success of CPS’s research program depends on industry stepping forward to help. Vic Smith is one such industry leader.
Be the Change
2018 was a difficult year for fresh produce food safety. Now, let’s imagine a future when we have difficulty recalling the last produce safety event.
To help get there, Center for Produce Safety refocused our work in 2018. Our updated mission statement says it all: fund science, find solutions, fuel change.
CPS’s work to fund science has resulted in 154 projects in the first 10 years, generated by 42 institutions in five different countries. That research is adding tremendously to our industry’s knowledge, helping to find solutions to enhance produce safety. For example, check out what we can all learn from Laura Strawn, Ph.D.’s work, described in this report.
Now, to fuel change during our second decade, one of our priorities is to cast a broader net to industry, to share what we now know. To do that, a group of particularly passionate leaders has formed CPS’s new Knowledge Transfer Task Force.
CPS is also more focused on getting more useable tools into industry hands, even more quickly. For example, we have overhauled our research program to fund topics that emerged from recent outbreaks, and to extend challenge grants. You can read more here about these important changes.
There is much more we need to know about unwanted pathogens in our supply chain, for which we need CPS. And how are you helping to achieve a food safe future? I invite you – I urge you – to get more involved with your CPS, by:
- Implementing our research learnings in your business. We have learned a lot in CPS’s first 10 years that should fuel change.
- Volunteering with and/or contributing to CPS and our research, to make a difference for your company – and our industry. Watch for a new campaign call next year.
We will know we have made significant progress when it is difficult to recall the last produce safety event. Our consumers deserve it, and so do all the people along our supply chain. We look forward to working with you to get there.
David Corsi
Chair, CPS Board of Directors
About Dave Corsi +
Wegmans VP of produce and floral, Dave Corsi was elected chair of CPS’s Board of Directors in 2018. Dave is a decorated retailer and longtime industry and produce safety advocate. He previously served on and chaired Produce Marketing Association’s board. Dave also served two consecutive terms on the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee, advising the Secretary of Agriculture on issues affecting the industry. He led a United Fresh Produce Association task force in 2009 to create a Harmonized Food Safety Good Agricultural Practices Audit that is widely used. Dave was named “Retailer of the Year” by Produce Merchandising magazine in 2003, and “Marketer of the Year” by Vance Publishing in 2005.
Financials
Funds in: Center for Produce Safety is funded by diverse public and private sources. Industry funds come from across the fresh produce supply chain, from farm to grocer to foodservice. Public funds come from grants made by major specialty crop-producing states.
Funds out: The vast majority of CPS’s funds are spent to sponsor fresh produce safety research, and to transmit key learnings to the many and varied stakeholders of fresh produce food safety.
2018 Income
- Research: $2,609,605 79%
- Symposium: $210,330 6%
- Operational: $502,601 15%
- Total Income: $3,322,536 100%
2017 Income
- Research: $2,039,413 74%
- Symposium: $204,296 7%
- Operational: $526,915 19%
- Total Income: $2,770,624 100%
2018 Expenses
- Research: $2,746,365 82%
- Symposium: $253,653 8%
- Operational: $338,788 10%
- Total Expenses: $3,338,806 100%
Net Income/Loss: ($16,270)
2017 Expenses
- Research: $2,228,606 81%
- Symposium: $234,064 8%
- Operational: $300,278 11%
- Total Expenses: $2,762,948 100%
Net Income/Loss: $7,676
The 2018 Year End Financial Statements, Independent Auditor’s Report and accompanying Federal Reports and Schedules are publicly available, in accordance with the requirements of OMB Circular A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, on CPS’s website.
Contributors, CPS Campaign for Produce Safety
A 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, CPS’s funding comes from across the fresh produce supply chain and from grants from major specialty-crop producing states.
As of Dec. 31, 2018
*denotes in-kind donation
Contribution Of $1,000,000+
- Produce Marketing Association
- Taylor Farms
- Western Growers
Contribution Of
$500,000-$999,999
- Washington State Tree Fruit Association
- California Citrus Quality Council
- California Fresh Fruit Association
- Dole
- Fresh Express, Incorporated
- United Fresh Produce Association
Contribution Of
$250,000-$499,999
- Georgia Pacific
- Promotora Agricola El Toro
- Sysco
- Tanimura & Antle
- The Wonderful Company
“As a grower/packer/shipper, we are constantly seeking ways to improve our food safety processes. Center for Produce Safety delivers cutting edge solutions from the best and brightest researchers in the world. CPS is a game changer for the future of food safety in the fresh produce industry.”
Jimmy BassettiContribution Of
$100,000-$249,999
- GreenGate Fresh
- JV Smith Companies
- Lipman Produce
- Melissa’s
- Pacific International Marketing
- Target Corporation
- The Wegman Family
Charitable Foundation - Western Precooling Systems
- Bolthouse Farms
- California Cantaloupe Advisory Board
- California Melon Research Board
- Church Brothers/True Leaf Farms
- Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
- International Paper
- Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce
- Castellini Group of Companies
- Driscoll’s
- Florida Tomato Committee
- Freshway Foods
- Markon Cooperative, Inc.
- McEntire Produce, Inc.
- Ocean Mist Farms
- Organicgirl
- Ready Pac Foods, Inc.
- The Oppenheimer Group
- Wish Farms
- The Produce News*
“The mission statement ‘Fund science, find solutions, fuel change’ captures perfectly the motivation and purpose of the Center for Produce Safety. CPS’s singular focus on food safety leverages and coordinates the work we are all doing to keep consumers safe, and is one reason the Northwest Horticultural Council is proud to support CPS. If you agree with that saying ‘many hands make light work’ also applies to food safety, then I urge you to support CPS as well.”
Mark PowersContribution Of Up To
$99,999
- Sunview Marketing International
- 4Earth Farms
- Amigo Farms
- Coastline Family Farms, Inc.
- Food Marketing Institute
- H-E-B
- L&M Companies
- Martori Farms
- Mission Produce, Inc.
- National Watermelon Association
- New York Apple Association
- Tree Top, Inc.
- Loblaw Companies Limited
- California Avocado Commission
- Michigan Apple Committee
- Monsanto Company
- California Pear Advisory Board
- California Tomato Farmers
- Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association
- J&D Produce, Inc.
- Texas International Produce Association
- Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Program
- Giant Eagle
- Knouse Foods Cooperative, Inc.
- Pasquinelli Produce Company
- Procacci Brothers Sales Corp.
- Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc.
- Santa Rosa Produce
- Diversified Restaurant Systems, Inc.
- New York Apple Sales, Inc.
- Rice Fruit Company
- California Pepper Association
- Food Safety News*
“Western Growers’ efforts to lead the produce industry in the development and implementation of strong preventive food safety practices rests on the applied research and science developed by the Center for Produce Safety. Preventive practices must be science-based, and applicable in the field and facility. We firmly believe that Western Growers, along with others committed to the safety of fresh produce, must ‘fuel the change’ by funding the science and we are pleased to contribute our time, talent and money to do so.“
Tom NassifCPS Board of Directors
CPS is largely volunteer-run, with just one full-time paid staff and minimal overhead. Our success is directly attributed to those who have volunteered time and resources to support this organization.
As of June 2019
* denotes Executive Committee members
Dave Corsi, Chair*
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
Michael Stuart, Secretary*
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
Bob Whitaker, Treasurer*
Produce Marketing Association
Timothy York, Past Chair*
Markon Cooperative
Samir Assar
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
Jimmy Bassetti
J & D Produce
Mark Borman
Taylor Farms California
Tony DiMare*
The DiMare Company
Natalie Dyenson
Dole Food Company, Inc.
Paul Fleming
Produce Industry Consulting
Hank Giclas
Western Growers
Doug Grant
The Oppenheimer Group
Craig Hedberg
University of Minnesota School of Public Health
Steve Kenfield
HMC Farms
Edward Kershaw
Superfresh Growers
Art Liang
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Jim Lugg
Consultant
Steve Martori III
Martori Farms
Drew McDonald, Technical Committee Chair
Taylor Fresh Foods
Mark Mignogna
Sysco
Warren Morgan
Double Diamond Fruit
Stephen Patricio*
Westside Produce
Mark Powers
Northwest Horticultural Council
Toby Purse
Lipman Produce
Timothy Riley
The Giumarra Companies
Martha Roberts*
University of Florida
Chuck Ross
University of Vermont Extension
Victor Smith
JV Farms
Michael Spinazzola
DRS Inc.
Thomas Stenzel
United Fresh Produce Association
Tammy Switucha
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Craig Wilson
Costco Wholesale
“CPS is unique in that in implements a systematic approach to identify, prioritize and fund research that is aimed at informing industry, academia and government efforts to prevent produce safety outbreaks from occurring. CPS is effective because it brings diverse representatives from industry, academia and government together to develop science-based solutions to real-life produce safety problems. CPS is changing the dialogue among industry, academia and government by focusing discussions on produce safety problem-solving through research.”
Samir Assar“I volunteer for CPS because food safety is one of the most critical aspects of our businesses today. While there is no real measurement of the ROI of volunteering, because of the leadership it has taken to identify our industry’s most critical food safety needs, CPS has helped educate me on those issues, and it is bringing all levels of the industry together to address them. These relationships are invaluable.”
Tony DimareTechnical Committee
Our Technical Committee provides the necessary scrutiny and tight controls needed to ensure CPS-funded research projects are practical, measurable and translatable.
As of Dec. 31, 2018
Drew McDonald, Chair
Taylor Fresh Foods
DeAnn Davis
Church Brothers Farms
Suresh DeCosta
Lipman Family Farms
Sharan Lanini
Pacific International Marketing
Jennifer McEntire
United Fresh Produce Association
George Nikolich
Gerawan Farming
Walter Ram
Giumarra Companies
Steve Strub
Wegmans Food Markets
Trevor Suslow
Produce Marketing Association
Monica Bazan
Dole Food Company, Inc.
Jim Brennan
SmartWash Solutions
Donna Lynn Browne
Naturipe Farms LLC
Pascal Delaquis
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Bryan DiMenna
BASF
Sammy Duda
Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Jill Dunlop
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
Barry Eisenberg
Miles Chemical Corporation
Hank Giclas
Western Growers
Robert Gravani
Cornell University
John Headrick
Monsanto
Lianna Kelly
Markon Cooperative
Jim Lugg
Robert Mandrell
Johnny Massa
Comgro
Saul Morales
Sysco
Anne Morrell
Hansen Fruit
Gurmail Mudahar
Tanimura & Antle
Elis Owens
Birko
Mickey Parish
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Courtney Parker
EJ Gallo
Keith Refsnider
Driscoll’s
Joan Rosen
JC Rosen Resources
Gurjit Shergill
Rusbelina Silva
4Earth Farms
Stacy Stoltenberg
Hygiena
Mike Villaneva
California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
Rich Walsh
Ecolab
Bob Whitaker
Produce Marketing Association
Devon Zagory
Devon Zagory & Associates, LLC
Mary Zischke
California Leafy Greens Research Program
“I cannot recall a time in our lives when fresh produce has been more important. The impact on health, along with on the local farm and labor economies, of plant-forward consumer habits all underline the importance of ensuring we continue to have the safest fresh produce in the world. CPS plays a critical role in this ‘eat more produce’ journey.“
Drew McDonaldKnowledge Transfer Task Force
These influential industry leaders stepped forward in 2018 to help CPS better communicate what we know to industry.
As of Dec. 31, 2018
Doug Grant, Chair
The Oppenheimer Group
Dave Corsi
Wegmans Food Markets
Hank Giclas
Western Growers
Tom Stenzel
United Fresh Produce Association
Bob Whitaker
Produce Marketing Association
Tim York
Markon Cooperative, Inc.
CPS Staff
Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli
Executive Director
“Each day I come to work and have the privilege to see the passion and compassion that the produce industry and our funded scientists bring to the CPS research table. There is a sincere effort by many to fill our food safety knowledge gaps with science to fuel change.“
Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli