The executive committee of the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) met recently to review the association’s priorities for 2006.

In addition to a review of the end-of-year results for 2005, the committee’s agenda included approval of the 2006 budget, and discussions on PMA’s role in critical industry issues such as transportation, technology, and government relations.

Janet Erickson, chairman of the board of directors and executive vice-president of purchasing and quality assurance with Del Taco Inc, said: “2005 was a ground-breaking year for PMA. We are in the strongest financial position in our history. We again exceeded member recruitment goals, and we are poised for global expansion.”

“Our 2006 member retention results are already ahead of expectations so we know that members see the value of PMA to their businesses.”

PMA president Bryan Silbermann added: “Our positive financials are an indication that PMA has found the right formula in providing our members with year-round business solutions. The industry can expect to see more of the same value in 2006.”

A highlight of the meeting was the executive committee’s approval of PMA’s $500,000 donation to the newly-formed PMA Education Foundation. The donation will be used to fund foundation initiatives, including attracting new talent to the industry, helping industry professionals define their career path, and ensuring that the industry has the information it needs to remain competitive.

SCHOOLS CALL FOR USDA

The PMA has urged the US Department of Agriculture to apply the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans to school meal programs, stressing increased availability of fruits and vegetables.

Joining with other organisations that support this endeavor, PMA signed a letter to agriculture secretary Mike Johanns from the National Alliance for Nutrition and Activity (NANA).

According to PMA president Bryan Silbermann: “PMA works with coalitions like NANA across the food industry to make recommendations that give the federal government the support that is needed to help increase consumption of fruits and vegetables.”

Kathy Means, PMA’s vice president of government relations, added: “These recommendations are important ideas that are consistent with our call to have all federal food programs meet dietary guidelines. At the same time, they are a proactive response to our members’ call for more efforts to become more involved on behalf of school children.”

The letter commends USDA on its recent efforts with school foodservice and nutrition professionals in providing more nutritious meals to children and urges them to continue its efforts.