IFPA: Charting the synergies and challenges as integration continues

A merger between the United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) had been discussed for decades, and it finally happened with the official launch of the combined organization, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962, in January 2022.

There had been three failed attempts since the early 1990s, the last occurring 10 years ago, but the challenges of the pandemic seemed to be the catalyst for the two groups to finally come together.

An agreement in principle was announced in March 2021 and members of both organizations voted to approve the merger by May 2021.

The new name was announced in October, aiming to successfully embrace the scope and reach of each organization—PMA, with its more buyer-focused and international scope, and United Fresh, which leaned more to the grower-shipper side of the industry and was heavily involved in lobbying in Washington, DC.

In announcing the merger, then-board chairs Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor, who headed United Fresh, and Dwight Ferguson, president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, who led PMA, said in a joint statement at the time that the “agreement reflects the ongoing commitment of both associations to deliver the highest level of value to members.

“Looking ahead,” the statement continued, “we believe we can accomplish that goal better together, building on the synergies and experience of our expert staffs, complementary education programs and member services, and a stronger voice in advocating for our industries.”

So, nearly two years into the merger, what does the industry think?

Is the IFPA firing on all cylinders, with its membership revved up about current and future plans? Or is there more work to be done?

Blueprints reached out to folks throughout the supply chain for their perspective, but first, a walk through the factors that finally pushed the two organizations to put their differences aside and come together for the future of the industry.  

This is an excerpt from the cover story in the September/October 2023 issue of Produce Blueprints Magazine. Click here to read the whole issue.

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