NEWARK, DEL./WASHINGTON, D.C. — The new produce organization created by the merger of the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association is open for business.

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is led by Co-CEOS Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel, the former leaders of PMA and United Fresh, respectively.

“The challenges we are facing today span the entire consumption continuum from food insecurity on one end to food waste on the other,” Burns said. “From changing climate patterns to shifting geo-political environments, we understand that the stakes have never been so high not only for the livelihood of our industry – but for the world. The Fresh produce industry offers solutions to almost every major global health and economic challenge, and we are looking forward to welcoming others to join our efforts.”

The IFPA Executive Committee is led by IFPA Chairman Bruce Taylor, CEO of Taylor Farms. Laura Himes, divisional merchandise manager for produce at Walmart, serves as chair-elect and Patrick Vizzone, head of food, beverage and agribusiness at ANZ Banking, serves as secretary-treasurer.

Past chairs include United Fresh Chairman Danny Dumas, president of Courchesne Larose USA Inc., and PMA Chairman Dwight Ferguson, president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation. Martha Hilton, vice president, produce and floral merchandising at Wegmans Food Markets, serves as the first IFPA Foundation chair.