Taylor Farms Exec Named Chair of CPS Board

By Food Safety Tech Staff
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July 25, 2022


• Categories: Food Manufacturing

Joe Pezzini, senior director of agricultural operations for Taylor Farms, has been elected chair of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) Board of Directors. The CPS is a charitable organization focused on providing the produce industry and government with access to information needed to enhance the safety of fresh produce.

Pezzini said that his first priority as CPS board chair will be to guide the board’s update of the center’s strategic plan. “In 15 short years, the CPS has grown into an extraordinary melting pot of industry, research, regulatory and public health leaders who are doing much more together to advance fresh produce food safety than we ever could alone,” he said. “Our goal for the next five years will be to continue that positive trajectory. That means making sure that CPS can continue to innovate in how we fund science, find solutions and fuel change in produce safety. The food we grow and sell to consumers is the same food we take home to our families. Our work doesn’t get more personal than that.”

The CPS reported that, in addition to electing Pezzini, six board members agreed to serve additional three-year terms. They include:

• Jim Brennan, president, SmartWash Solutions;
• Mike Joyner, president, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association;
• Dave Murray, partner, Andrew & Williamson/Good Farms;
• Mark Mignogna, vice president, quality assurance, Sysco;
• Victor Smith, CEO, J.V. Smith Farms; and
• Craig Wilson, vice president, QA and food safety, Costco Wholesale.

Amy Gates, vice president of Seald Sweet/Greenyard USA, joined the board as a first-time member.