Planning to Win
PMA’s focus on building consumption is on you.
As an association that serves the industry, we try to have one foot in the present and stretch the other out into the future. That’s what industry members expect of us, and that’s what we’re going to deliver. The roadmap has been charted in the new strategic plan of PMA and its foundation.
Through our strategic plan, we deliver value based on four strategic areas that align with industry member needs:
Global Connections: We link PMA members in the United States and around the world to each other, to new markets, and to consumer trends and insights.
This value was demonstrated last year by PMA’s Fresh Connections event in China, coupled with our comprehensive research exploring China’s fresh produce marketplace. Reinvigorated floral programming also took root as we looked at ways to take advantage of our strengths in produce and bring them to floral members. We also implemented the PMA SmartBrief, a concise news source delivering real-time, balanced industry information.
To make global connections easier and faster, this spring we’ll be investing in a new website – a global gateway to contacts and information to help you make better consumer connections.
Science and Technology: This is where we translate complex information into practical solutions that reduce waste, save money and boost confidence in produce safety.
In 2013, our support for the Center for Produce Safety continued, as did our work on the Produce Traceability Initiative. We developed UPC Link to help transition from generic- to company-specific UPCs. Staff also worked alongside PMA’s Produce Safety Science and Technology Committee and allied organizations to translate the Food Safety Modernization Act’s (FSMA) complex proposals and formulate comments on the industry’s behalf.
This year, our science and technology offerings are expanding beyond food safety. We’re adding new value that explores emerging technologies capable of creating efficiencies and reducing waste.
Issues Leadership: This area guides PMA’s investment in issues that increase demand for, and overcome barriers to, consumption.
In addition to work on FSMA, in 2013 we also forged powerful partnerships to increase consumption, such as with Sesame Workshop, and donated $100,000 to fund salad bars nationwide.
This year, we’ll be working to assure access and availability of fresh produce by bringing key people together, and providing data to inform conversations and educate influencers in government and public affairs.
Industry Talent: This helps establish the diverse, skilled and sustainable work force essential to grow your business.
Our charitable PMA Foundation launched two new programs last year: Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference and the High Performance Management Conference. In addition, the Pack Family Career Pathways program also celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Our goal is to help industry secure the talent needed to innovate and drive consumer demand, so in 2014 we’ll be building on the PMA Foundation’s assortment of educational opportunities and training for every stage of the career continuum.
The bottom line: PMA and its foundation have a new plan for the future, one that’s focused on you and your business. When we help you build connections, you can better focus on building consumer demand for the products you grow, ship and sell.
Our goal is to help industry secure the talent needed to innovate and drive consumer demand.