Western Growers' $1 million contribution pushes CPS research campaign past halfway mark

Western Growers' $1 million contribution pushes CPS research campaign past halfway mark

Western Growers' $1 million contribution pushes CPS research campaign past halfway mark

WOODLAND, Calif. - Western Growers has committed $1 million to the Center for Produce Safety's (CPS) Campaign for Produce Safety, officials from both organizations have announced. Western Growers' contribution brings total campaign commitments to more than $10 million - over halfway toward CPS's goal.

"It is fitting and a testament to the relationship between Western Growers and CPS, characterized by nearly a decade of cooperation and collaboration between the two organizations, that our $1 million contribution puts CPS's fundraising campaign over the $10 million mark," said Tom Nassif, Western Growers president and CEO.

Western Growers' grower members produce more than 50 percent of the fresh produce found in U.S. grocery stores.

"We thank Western Growers and its members for this leadership contribution, and the grower commitment to food safety that it represents," said Steve Patricio, chairman of both CPS and its Campaign for Produce Safety, and president and CEO of Westside Produce. Patricio is also a member of Western Growers' board.

"The Center for Produce Safety board and staff are honored and humbled by the overwhelming support the campaign has received so far," Patricio said about reaching the campaign's halfway mark. "Our industry is telling us loud and clear that they value our mission and work. We will safeguard that trust and work continually to earn it anew."

To date, the "Funding Science, Finding Solutions"-themed campaign has raised $10,012,000. CPS is seeking to raise $20 million over the next five years to fund critically needed, actionable produce safety research.

CPS has provided $18.4 million to fund produce-specific safety research since it was founded in 2007. CPS's Campaign for Produce Safety will expand this vital work to supply science-based research that closes food safety knowledge gaps in the United States and worldwide. 

The following companies and organizations have contributed to the Campaign for Produce Safety as of March 4, 2016.To contribute and join these industry leaders, contact Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, CPS executive director, by telephone at 530-554-9706 or by email at bonnie@centerforproducesafety.org.

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