National Association of Produce Market Managers Holds 66th Annual Conference

The National Association of Produce Market Managers (NAPMM) met March 28-31, 2012 in Los Angeles, California for the association's 66th Annual Conference.

This year's event featured tours of markets and farms in southern California, including visits to the Los Angeles Farmers Market, the 7th Street and Los Angeles Wholesale Markets, the Santa Monica Farmers Market, and Deardorff Farms in Ventura County.  Presentations included updates from both USDA staff and United Fresh, and updates on the latest implications of the Food Safety Modernization Act.  Also conducted were wholesale and retail roundtables featuring projects and best practices as well as a comprehensive look at tools to measure the economic and social value of markets to their communities and the most effective way to communite these.  There was also a presentation on an innovative program to utilize solar power at markets by representatives from Sunlogics.  (To read this entire press release, click here.)

Conference Presentations

• Capital Iimprovements and The Challenges They Present - Rose Harrell, Maryland Wholesale Produce
• Effectcs of FSMA on Whoesale and Other Warehouse Distribution Operations - Debra Garrison, PrimusLabs
• Food Safety Recommendations for Farmers Markets - Jim Farr, Rochester Public Market
• Food Safety Modernization Act - Miriam Wolk, United Fresh
• Georgia Grown - Paul E. Thompson, III, Atlanta State Farmers Market
• Fresh & Local, Everyday - PH!LLYLOVES Reading Terminal Market - Paul Steinke, Reading Terminal Market
• A SOLAROOF PLUS TEAM Initiative - Jack DeLiddo, Sunlogics
• Understanding Your Market's Economic and Social Impact - Phil Gotwalls, ACDS LLC
• Updates from USDA - Jim Barham, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
• When Food Safety Counts - Debra Garrison, PrimusLabs