Wednesday, June 13, 2012 by Lee Mannering
Presenters and panelists announced for CPS research symposium
In two weeks, the Center for Produce Safety will hold its third annual research symposium on June 27 at the University of California at Davis, where attendees will learn the latest about new studies focused on knowledge gaps in specific areas of food safety practices for fruit, vegetable and tree nut production, harvest, and post-harvest handling. In late April, I shared the symposium agenda with you, and I’ve just learned who from industry and government will be participating in the sessions (each of which will be moderated by PMA’s Chief Science and Technology Officer Dr. Bob Whitaker):
- Good Agricultural Practices – Buffer Zones and Animal Vectors. Presenters: Elaine Berry, USDA Agricultural Research Service; Bruce Hoar, University of California, Davis; Michele Jay-Russell, University of California, Davis; and Andrew Gordus, California Department of Fish and Game. Reaction panel: Greg Calistro, Save Mart Supermarkets; Barbara Cassens, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Pacific Region; Martin Ley, Del Campo Supreme Inc.; and Vic Smith, JV Farms.
- Good Agricultural Practices – Irrigation Water Quality. Presenters: Rob Atwill, University of California, Davis; Anita Wright, University of Florida; Trevor Suslow, University of California, Davis; and Kalmia Kniel, University of Delaware. Reaction panel: Samir Assar, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Hank Giclas, Western Growers; Rob Mandrell, USDA Agricultural Research Service; Bill Pool, Wegmans; and Keith Refsnider, Driscoll’s.
- Good Agricultural Practices – Inputs, Cultivation and Harvest. Presenters: Diane Wetherington, Intertox Inc.; Xiuping Jiang, Clemson University; Linda Harris, University of California, Davis; and Michelle Danyluk, University of Florida. Reaction panel: Jim Lugg, Chiquita/Fresh Express; Jorge Hernandez, U.S. Foods; Scott Horsfall, Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement; Bob Klein, California Pistachio Research Board; Martha Roberts, University of Florida; and Chris Schlect, Northwest Horticultural Council.
- Wash Water and Process Control. Presenters: Elliot Ryser, Michigan State University, Keith Warriner, University of Guelph; Keith Schneider, University of Florida; and Yaguang Luo, USDA Agricultural Research Service. Reaction panel: Bob Brackett, Illinois Institute of Technology; Jim Brennan, Smart Wash Solutions; Mike Burness, Chiquita/Fresh Express; Jim Gorny, U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; Tim York, Markon Cooperative; and Devon Zagory, Zagory and Associates.
The last session of the day will feature a discussion between industry and government relationships, with PMA President Bryan Silbermann moderating a panel that includes Mike Taylor, U.S. Food and Drug Administration; Mary Ellen Burris, Wegmans; Bill Schuler, Castellini Companies; and Stephen Patricio, Westside Produce.
For full details on the 2012 CPS Research Symposium (including registration and hotel information), visit the CPS website. To discuss this or other industry food safety research needs, join the Food Safety Community on PMA Xchange.
Also, if your organization is a PMA Gold Circle contributor, you’re invited to a free networking breakfast on June 28, where Dr. Bob Whitaker will discuss key findings from the new food safety research presented at the CPS symposium. If you’re not a Gold Circle contributor, here are details on how to become one.
Tags: Center for Produce Safety, CPS, Food Safety