FPAA Spring Policy Summit Focused on U.S.-Mexico Trade Dynamic
FPAA gears up for their 2017 Spring Policy Summit; an event that positively changes the course of business.
NOGALES, Ariz. – If you want to put your best foot forward in the U.S. and Mexico business dynamic, plan to attend the 2017 Spring Policy Summit of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA). This event, which focuses on policies and regulations that impact importation of fresh produce from Mexico, will take place on Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Tubac Golf Resort and Spa in Tubac, Arizona. The FPAA Spring Policy Summit has a demonstrated history in elevating the dialogue between industry and government, said Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA.
“Because of this event we have seen beneficial modifications in food safety programs, and today, the port in Nogales is
benefitting from the Unified Cargo Inspection Program that was first publicly conceived at last year’s event,” Jungmeyer said.
The Unified Cargo Inspection Program has brought together U.S. and Mexican Customs inspectors into one facility, streamlining a process that used to take 4-8 hours and now takes as little as a half hour, he said. The event includes the participation of U.S. authorities at federal, state and city levels as well as personalities in the Mexican government who are involved in the planning and decision makings of areas related to the U.S. – Mexico trade.
“At FPAA, we believe that the best way to prepare for changes is to be informed. At the same time, the most effective manner to minimize the impact of those changes is to be involved. Therefore, as part of our mission as an association we bring those agencies who can educate and look for ways to facilitate the dialogues and involvement,” Jungmeyer said.
To help frame the dialogue as the U.S. and Mexico move forward in coming years, two very important sessions are included in this year’s program: The New Trade Dynamic – Analyzing the U.S.-Mexico Relationship – The U.S. and Mexico have both said they would like to change some elements of NAFTA. What is this likely to entail? How do the U.S. and Mexico maintain the momentum that has marked the trading relationship? Customs Innovations – Spotlight on Nogales: The Unified Cargo Inspection Program in Nogales is greatly boosting throughput and saving companies millions of dollars in logistics costs. Meanwhile, the Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority is adding a Cold Storage Inspection Area at the port to encourage imports of temperature sensitive items like avocados, berries and more. Invited speakers include Will Brooks, Director of Field Operations of the Tucson District for U.S. Customs & Border Protection; and Guillermo Valencia, Chairman of the Greater Nogales and Santa Cruz County Port Authority. “It is very important for us to see the participation of people in the industry. Together we create the necessary synergy to redirect regulations and proposals in motion for the betterment of all,” added Jungmeyer. Information about this event can be found at FPAA’s website www.freshfrommexico.com About the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas:
The FPAA is a nonprofit trade association headquartered in Nogales, Arizona, that represents over 120 U.S. member companies involved in growing, packing, sales and transportation of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in Mexico. The FPAA leverages the efforts of private companies and partner-associations to increase the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetable
from Mexico.
Contact: Lance Jungmeyer (520) 287-2707
