Oct 10, 2007 9:36 AM

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA), United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA), and Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) intend to establish a joint produce traceability initiative to bring about adoption of consistent traceability best practices in the produce supply chain.

These groups plan to focus on using existing standards for the most effective trace practices among supply chain partners. According to the PMA, other associations representing foodservice and retail portions of the North American food industry have also expressed an interest in participating. The organizations include the Food Marketing Institute, National Restaurant Association, International Foodservice Distributors Association, and Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors.

The PMA, UFPA, and CPMA will discuss the issues further during PMA’s Fresh Summit convention, set for Oct 12–15, 2007, in Houston TX. Names of industry leaders who will head the new initiative will be announced soon.