Throughout the past five years, the Center for Produce Safety has cultivated domestic and international research collaborations. The first of such efforts were partnerships through the U.S. - Israel Binational Agriculture Research and Development Fund and the California Leafy Greens Research Program. This year's Request for Proposals (RFP) has a diverse list of research partners. Through a series of articles, the various types of partnerships in the current RFP will be explored.
Davis, CA, February 26, 2013 – The National Mango Board (NMB) is a new research collaborator that is part of the Center for Produce Safety Partners in Research program. This past year, the Mango Board has committed to an industry wide risk assessment. It was through this effort NMB identified critical research needs that reflect the unique nature of commercial mango production; it is not uncommon that small and large growers commingle raw mangos at packing sheds for sorting and fruit fly management treatments prior to packing.
“As part of its mission, NMB works with the entire mango industry to encourage adherence to all U.S. food safety standards and the updated good agricultural practices. The NMB strives to be on the cutting edge for industry development in these areas by funding research in postharvest methods, good agricultural practices and food safety,” said Bill Vogel, president of Vision Produce Company and NMB chairman. “The NMB is hosting our first Mango Food Safety Conference on March 6th in McAllen, TX as part of our commitment to sharing with our grower/packer and importer community the latest information that we have learned. We encourage all members of the mango industry to attend as it’s a wonderful opportunity. We have representatives from retail and foodservice, individuals who have worked through and resolved food safety issues, and government representatives who will share with us the latest information.”
The National Mango Board is a national promotion and research organization, supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. For the period 2009 – 2011, six countries represented 99% of imports into the United States; Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Guatemala and Haiti. The board’s mission is to increase awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. NMB works toward this mission through three core programs; Marketing, Research and Industry Relations. William Watson, NMB Executive Director, stated, “We are very excited about our partnership with the Center for Produce Safety. This partnership supports the mango industry’s continuing effort to improve food safety best practices and increase mango quality.” Watson continued, “Providing consumers with safe, quality mangos is the NMB and mango industry’s first priority and with this partnership we will better understand risk potential and increase mango food safety.”
The focus on mango research noted within the CPS Request for Proposals is part of an ongoing effort to develop knowledge to better manage potential cross contamination at common production points where control measures might be employed. Proposals will be reviewed by the CPS technical committee and mango industry technical experts. Awards will be announced Fall of 2013.
For further information about Mango Board research priorities, the CPS Request for Research guidance document, and a complete list of CPS research priorities, please visit the Center for Produce Safety website, https://www.centerforproducesafety.org.
CPS RFP Contact:
Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Executive Director
Center for Produce Safety
Phone (530) 757-5777, bfernandez@centerforproducesafety.org
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