(Tubac, AZ) – The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) is finalizing plans for the 2025 Spring Policy Summit (SPS) & Food Safety Summit, set to take place on April 2-3, 2025, at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa in Tubac, Arizona. These key industry events are an important way for the produce industry and experts in government operations to have two days of insightful discussions on trade and regulatory issues impacting fresh produce.

Attendees at the FPAA Spring Policy Summit on April 2, will include industry professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders that will explore the latest trade, economic, and regulatory developments in the fresh produce sector.

“With so much at stake for the produce industry, with trade and government services under threat, we consider it vital for the industry to convene around the Spring Policy Summit and the Food Safety Summit,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer. “The industry voice is so important.”

Attendees will gain insights into pressing topics such as social responsibility in supply chains, economic impacts of U.S.-Mexico trade, and the evolving trade environment under new policy frameworks.

Key sessions will address:

·      Social Responsibility Points the Way Forward – Examining how businesses and regulators are adapting to increasing expectations for ethical labor practices, environmental responsibility, and sustainable sourcing.

·      Southwest Border States in Action – Exploring the significance of Mexican fresh produce imports to U.S. employers and employees in key border states and the broader U.S. economy.

·      How to Face the New Trade Environment – Understanding the implications of tariffs, USMCA renewal discussions, and evolving trade policies.

·      The Importance of Agriculture in the U.S. – Analyzing the importance of agriculture in strengthening cross-border trade and policy collaboration.

The summit will also feature a sponsored networking reception, providing attendees with valuable opportunities to engage with peers, policymakers, and industry leaders.

The North American Food Safety Summit on day 2 will shift focus to emerging regulatory changes and best practices for ensuring food safety across the supply chain.

Highlighted sessions include:

·      Agricultural Water Rule – A deep dive into the FDA’s new water rules and their impact on growers and importers.

·      COFEPRIS in Focus – Understanding the role and evolution of Mexico’s food safety regulatory agency.

·      Are You Ready for Traceability? – A hands-on tabletop exercise to prepare companies for FDA’s new Section 204 traceability requirements.

·      A Plethora of Audits – Which to Choose? – Exploring the range of food safety certifications and determining the best fit for different business models.

·      You’re Getting Inspected by FDA. Now what? – Practical guidance on how to navigate and respond to regulatory inspections.

The Spring Policy & Food Safety Summit is a must-attend event for professionals in fresh produce trade, food safety, logistics, and policy.

Stay tuned for additional speaker announcements and more. The FPAA looks forward to welcoming industry members to Tubac for what promises to be an engaging summit.

Event Details:

📅 April 2, 2025 – FPAA Spring Policy Summit

📅 April 3, 2025 – North American Produce Food Safety Summit

📍 Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Tubac, Arizona

🔗 Register Now: (http://www.freshfrommexico.com)

📢 Sponsorship opportunities available! Contact saul@freshfrommexico.com for more information.

Wednesday, April 2 

11 am – Welcome to Spring Policy Summit

11:15-12 pm Social Responsibility Points the Way Forward: For buyers and government alike, it has become more important to monitor worker social responsibility, as well as deforestation and the environment. Speakers include Virginia Bullington from the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, Marion Avril from AHIFORES, Ana Ambrose from Avocados From Mexico, and the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association.  

12:00- 1 pm LUNCHEON SESSION: Southwest Border States in Action: In Texas, Arizona and California, imports of Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables are big business. Learn about the economic impact, and political impact of this crucial US-Mexico trade. Speakers include Paul Brierly, Executive Director of the Arizona Department of Agriculture and Luis Ribera, economist, Texas A&M.     

1:15-2 pm How to Face The New Trade Environment: From tariff talk to a USMCA-renewal to Mexican constitutional reform, a lot is at stake in the US-Mexico relationship. How will the industry face these challenges? Hear from experts from FPAA, Consejo Nacional  Agropecuario, Canadian Produce Marketing Association and Farmers for Free Trade.

2-2:30 pm – The Importance of Agriculture in the U.S. – Mexico Relationship – Virginia Bullington of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center.  The Wilson Center studies many aspects of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and has a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities.  Virginia Bullington will talk about the importance of agriculture in Mexico and for the trade relationship between the U.S. and one of its leading suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables.

2:30 – 2:45 pm – Networking and snack break 

2:45-3:30 – Regulatory & Inspection Updates – Gain insights into the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiatives at the border, including FPAA’s efforts to expand refrigerated inspection capacity to enhance efficiency and maintain the cold chain for perishable goods

3:30-4:15 pm – Emerging Trends at US Customs and Border Protection: CBP’s role in commercial trade continues to expand. Among other developments, hear about the latest developments in non-intrusive scanning to stop 100% of illicit goods. Speakers include Guadalupe Ramierz, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

4:30  pm Adjourn 

5-7 pm Sponsored Reception

Thursday, April 3 

8:00 – 9:30 am North American Produce Food Safety Working Group Meeting – working breakfast.

10 am -1:00 pm North American Produce Food Safety Summit – Challenges and Solutions for Your Business

10 am Welcome 

10:05-10:25 Ag Water Rule: Growers and importers alike will be impacted by FDA’s new rules for agriculture water. Learn what matters for your company, and how to work with your supply chain partners to be in compliance. Speakers include Betsy Bihn from Produce Safety Alliance.

10:30- 11 COFEPRIS in Focus: How has this Mexican food safety regulatory agency evolved and what is its role in the future.

11-11:40 TABLETOP EXERCISE: Are You Ready for Traceability? FDA’s Section 204 Rule tightens the requirements for tracking shipments of fresh produce. Ensure that your company is ready by participating in this interactive tabletop exercise, where you will learn what kind of data FDA requires, how it should be transmitted and what to do if a traceability event occurs.

11:45 -12:30 Networking Luncheon and Panel Discussion: A Plethora of Audits – Which to Choose? Depending on the nature of your operation, certain kinds of audits may be more cost-effective, or more efficient in terms of time. From GlobalGAP to the Harmonized GAP to CanadaGAP and others, there are many choices. Learn which might be a fit for your company. Moderated by Walter Ram. Speakers include Mathilde Rivera from Andrew & Williamson. 

12:30-1 pm You’re Getting Inspected by FDA. Now what? When the Food and Drug Administration decides to conduct an inspection, you might have as little as two hours advance notice. And a visit from a state inspector might differ. Depending on the nature of the audit, what data and resources do you need to gather to have a successful outcome? Speakers include Jennifer McEntire from Reagan-Udall Center. 

1 pm Adjourn