Re-established fruit, vegetable industry advisory group meets

The USDA Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC) met May 9-10, marking the first meeting of the 2018-2020 committee members. It also marked the first time the committee has met since it was re-established in April 2018.

The purpose of the committee is to examine the full spectrum of fruit and vegetable issues and provide recommendations to USDA on how the department can tailor programs to better meet the needs of the U.S. produce industry. The Specialty Crops Program ensures the committee is administered according to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

The committee was welcomed by Administrator Bruce Summers, who thanked the appointed members for giving their time and providing insights to USDA on issues important to agricultural businesses.

The two-day meetings are the first step in starting that process.

On the first day of the meeting, the committee received a presentation on ethics, an overview of committee process and procedures and information various AMS programs. Members also elected leaders, established workgroups and discussed a range of issues from food safety and audit programs to farm legislation and trade matters. They also heard public comments.

The second day of the meeting was devoted to the workgroups, which examined issues in food safety, labor, production and trade, and reported their initial proposals to the full committee. Follow-on meetings would consist of members working collaboratively to draft recommendations or position statements to be submitted to Agriculture Secretary Perdue.

The USDA looks forward to receiving the committee’s insights.

Photo: FVIAC Vice-Chair Kiley Harper, FVIAC Chairman Chalmrs Carr & USDA Designated Federal Officer Darrell Hughes.