Volunteers Sought for Produce Traceability Initiative

Aug. 26, 2010
The Produce Traceability Initiative is forming industry-led working groups to guide its activities moving forward. Industry members from across the fresh produce supply chain are invited to volunteer their time and expertise to one or more of the newly formed working groups

The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), designed to help the produce industry maximize traceback procedures and standardize its traceability practices, is forming industry-led working groups to guide its activities moving forward. Industry members from across the fresh produce supply chain are invited to volunteer their time and expertise to one or more of the newly formed working groups.

Meanwhile, GS1 US has joined Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA), Produce Marketing Association (PMA) and United Fresh Produce Association as a PTI administering organization.

Volunteers are being sought to assist four working groups that will drive key elements of the PTI’s work moving forward:

● Implementation Working Group: This volunteer group will guide and promote industry-wide adoption of GS1 standards at the foundation of the PTI, including developing best practices, identifying solutions to implementation issues, and tracking industry implementation.

● Master Data Working Group: This volunteer group will address issues regarding identifying product attributes, and communicating that data between trading partners.

● Industry Communications Working Group: This volunteer group will ensure two-way communication between the initiative and industry.

● Technology Working Group: This volunteer group will provide a forum for technology providers to collaborate to support the initiative.

Volunteers must be members in good standing of CPMA, GS1 US, PMA and/or United Fresh. Detailed descriptions of each working group’s area of focus can be found on the PTI website.

GS1 US has joined CPMA, PMA and United Fresh as an administering organization of the PTI, as well as an integral part of the new governance structure. GS1 US will be represented by Bob Carpenter, its CEO. GS1 US will assist in administration and business of the new leadership council, working groups and pilot projects.

“GS1 US exists to help bring communities together to harness the power of standards to solve value chain problems, so supporting the PTI is a logical extension of our work in retail and more recently in the foodservice industry,” explains Sabina Saksena, GS1 US senior vice president, community insights and strategic partnerships.