FAPC Food Industry Trends Conference to focus on GFSI and FSMA
By Kylee Willard
FAPC Communications Services Graduate Assistant
(Stillwater, Okla. –April 27, 2012) Oklahoma State University’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center is helping food and agricultural business professionals keep up with industry trends through a Food Industry Trends Conference.
“Staying current with trends in the food and agricultural industries is a common goal for industry leaders,” said Rodney Holcomb, FAPC agricultural economist and co-chair of the conference. “As a result, the FAPC created a biennial Food Industry Trends Conference to cover important topics and issues affecting the industry.”
In partnership with the Oklahoma Food Safety Task Force, the conference will be held on May 15, 2012, in Stillwater, Okla. The focus of the 2012 conference is the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
“GFSI and FSMA are of real importance to those involved in the food and agricultural industries,” Holcomb said. “Specifically, this conference is designed to discuss the fundamental need for active engagement and advancement in food safety, and the importance of management of the food supply chain.”
According to the GFSI website, “GFSI provides a platform for collaboration between some of the world’s leading food safety experts from retailer, manufacturer and foodservice companies, service providers associated with the food supply chain, international organizations, academia and government.”
Speakers during the Food Industry Trends Conference include Ben Chapman, North Carolina State University; Mike Pearsall, UL DQS Inc.; Cathy Crawford, HACCP Consulting Group; K.C. Ely, Oklahoma State Department of Health; Derik Kirchner, HEB Stores; and Shirley Abderrazzaq, Ben E Keith.
“The slate of speakers for the 2012 Food Industry Conference offer attendees a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from,” said Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business and marketing relations manager and co-chair of the conference.
OSU employees can attend the conference for free. The cost for non-OSU employees is $200. The registration deadline is May 10, 2012. To view the conference agenda or register online, visit www.fapc.biz/fitconference.html. For additional conference information, contact Karen Smith at 405-744-6277 or karenl.smith@okstate.edu.
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.
