Newark, De. and Washington DC – Thursday, January 27, International Fresh Produce Association BB#:378962 Co-CEOs Cathy Burns and Tom Stenzel met with Canadian Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC to discuss supply chain issues critical to the fresh produce trade .

Topics explored included the very recent enforcement of vaccine requirements for non-citizen transport drivers entering each country, the United States International Trade Commission’s investigations into the fruit and vegetable trade, as well as phytosanitary concerns such as the presence of potato wart in Prince Edward Island.

“Canada is a key trading partner for the US industry as an importer and export market for fresh fruits and vegetables,” said IFPA’s Stenzel. “IFPA is committed to global engagement with international bodies to promote free and fair trade, international harmonization of standards and global growth in the consumption of fresh produce.

Burns added, “It was a great opportunity to explore areas of collaboration and cooperation to ensure the smooth movement of product flows so that buyers continue to have year-round choice in the marketplace. Trade barriers don’t just disrupt supplies; they disrupt lives.

For more information about this meeting or about IFPA’s work supporting the produce and flower industries, contact Siobhan May, Director of Communications and Public Relations at IFPA.

About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh and floral produce supply chain and the only one to seamlessly integrate global advocacy and industry support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We increase the prosperity of our members by carrying out advocacy actions; connecting people and ideas; and offering advice that empowers us all to act with determination and confidence. Although IFPA builds on the legacy of the United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association, it’s not just a combination. It’s transformational. Recognizing that the industry needed an even more powerful and unified voice, the leaders of the former United Fresh and Produce Marketing Association chose not to merge, but rather to create an entirely new organization to replace their organizations, to from January 1, 2022.

Contact: Siobhan May, SMay@freshproduce.com +1 (302) 781-5855