Exciting Developments at the Fresh Produce Safety Centre – Australia & New Zealand: New Leadership and Continued Commitment to Excellence
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia and New Zealand had its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 23 August 2023. We are thrilled to announce some exciting developments that further strengthen our commitment to the safety and sustainability of the Australia and New Zealand Fresh Produce value chain.
1) Re-election of Dr. Andreas Klieber as FPSC-ANZ Board Chair:
Dr. Andreas Klieber, GAICD FAIFST has been re-elected to the FPSC-ANZ Board and will continue to serve as the Board Chair. Dr. Klieber has been an invaluable leader, bringing a wealth of expertise and dedication to our mission. His re-election reflects the confidence our members and community have in his ability to guide the FPSC-ANZ towards continued success.
2) Welcome Dr. Libby Harrison as Newly Elected Director:
Join us in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Libby Harrison, our newly elected New Zealand Director. Dr. Harrison’s background and passion for food safety make her a valuable addition to our team. She is also the Director of the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre (NZFSSRC). FPSC-ANZ and NZFSSRC already have a Memorandum of Understanding and we look forward to further strengthening the collaboration between our two organisations.
3) Appreciation for Miffy Gilbert, Outgoing Director:
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Director Miffy Gilbert, GAICD for her significant contributions to the FPSC-ANZ. As a trusted agri-business leader, with an entrepreneurial mind-set; Miffy’s dedication and expertise have played a crucial role in shaping the success of the Centre. We wish her all the best in her future endeavours.
4) Congratulations to Farzana Adams, our New CEO:
As we stride forward, we are delighted to announce Farzana Adams as the new CEO of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre. Farzana has a Master of Science in Food Safety from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Australian Institute of Business. Farzana’s wealth of experience in food safety and leadership qualities make her the perfect fit to steer the FPSC-ANZ towards new heights. We extend our heartfelt congratulations and welcome her to this pivotal role.
These appointments mark an exciting time for the FPSC-ANZ, signalling a renewed chapter in our journey to uphold the highest standards of fresh produce safety. As we look ahead, our values remain steadfast, centred around collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our community.
~ The FPSC-ANZ Board
Dr. Andreas Klieber (Director & Board Chair)
Emeritus Professor Dr Robyn McConchie (Director & Company Secretary)
Andrew Redman (Director)
Belinda Wilson-Charters (Director)
Brendan Hayes, (Director)
Dr. Damien Farrelly (Director)
Deon Mahoney (Director)
Dr. Libby Harrison (Director)
Australian Food Safety Week 2023
It’s Australian Food Safety Week and the theme is ‘Food safety – dollars and sense’ // This week the FPSC-ANZ and Food Safety Information Council implore you not to compromise your health by taking food safety short cuts. There are an estimated 4.67 million cases of food poisoning in Australia each year that result in 47,900 hospitalisations, 38 deaths and cost to the economy of $2.1 billion. Food borne disease isn’t a minor illness, it can leave you with long term effects such as reactive arthritis. Here are some useful tips to stay food safe:
Don’t be tempted to forage for wild food as a saving, mushrooms and other plants can be toxic and wild foods can be contaminated by animal faeces
Don’t purchase food from unknown sources such as on social media, make sure they are a legal source
Learn more about food safety at www.fpsc-anz.com or www.foodsafety.asn.au
#Australianfoodsafetyweek #fpscanz #foodsafety #foodsafetyculture #freshproduce #freshproducesafety
FPSC Seeks Non-Remunerated Board Directors
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre is currently seeking non-remunerated Board Directors.
About us
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia and New Zealand (FPSC-ANZ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of fresh produce within the food supply chain. We are committed to enhancing food safety standards, research, and industry best practices to protect consumers and promote the growth of the fresh produce sector.
As we continue our mission to improve fresh produce safety, we are seeking passionate and experienced individuals to join our Board of Directors. We are specifically looking for two candidates who can bring their expertise in financial management and fund-raising for non-profit organizations to our dynamic team.
Position Overview: Board Directors (non-remunerated)
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership: Provide guidance and input on the strategic direction of FPSC-ANZ to ensure the organization’s mission and vision are realized.
Financial Management: Oversee the organization’s financial health, budgeting, and fiscal responsibility, as well as identifying potential funding sources and partnerships.
Fundraising: Contribute to fundraising efforts by identifying grant opportunities, cultivating donor relationships, and participating in fundraising activities.
Governance: Act as a steward of FPSC-ANZ’s resources, ensuring the highest standards of governance and accountability.
Advocacy and Outreach: Support FPSC-ANZ’s efforts to engage with stakeholders, government bodies, and industry leaders to advance fresh produce safety.
Qualifications:
Proven experience in financial management and fund-raising within non-profit organizations.
An understanding of food safety, agriculture, or related fields is advantageous but not essential.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to FPSC-ANZ’s role and purpose.
Previous board or committee experience preferred.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should complete THIS FORM and submit it with their resume or curriculum vitae, and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and explaining why they are interested in joining the FPSC-ANZ Board of Directors. Note that this is a non-remunerated Board Director role. Please send your application to eo@fpsc-anz.com by 09 November 2023.
Learn more about FPSC-ANZ:
Visit our website to learn more about our organization and role: https://fpsc-anz.com/about/what-we-do/
FPSC-ANZ is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. We welcome diversity and are committed to building an inclusive team.
Join us in our mission to enhance fresh produce safety and contribute to the well-being of consumers and the fresh produce industry in Australia and New Zealand. Become a part of the FPSC-ANZ Board of Directors and make a meaningful impact.
Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 3
The latest edition of Fresh & Safe News is out now. In this volume, we:
Welcome Managing Director Farzana Adams
Wrap up this year’s Fresh Produce Safety Conference in Sydney
Introduce Food Safety Grower Guides produced in collaboration with NSW DPI
Overview the Horticulture Food Safety Initiative and appointment of the project’s Technical Officer
Launch the first of a series of four post-conference workshops
and much much more! Read the full eNewsletter HERE.
Read Article →Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 2
The latest edition of Fresh & Safe News is out now. In this edition, our Executive Officer Marguerite gives us a wrap up from this year’s Hort Connections event in Adelaide, we announce the HNI21000 Horticulture Food Safety Initiative, the programme for the Fresh Produce Safety Conference and much much more! Read the full eNewsletter HERE.
Read Article →FPSC seeks Technical Officer for new three year project
The FPSC-ANZ has been awarded a three-year project, ‘Horticulture Food Safety Initiative’ (HNI21000), for which we require a full-time Technical Officer on a fixed term contract until June 2026.
Reporting to the FPSC-ANZ’s Executive Officer, who is also the project lead, the Technical Officer is charged with delivering the operational components of the project.
This is an exciting opportunity for a degree qualified candidate, offering the flexibility to work remotely from home, or from our office at the University of Sydney at Camperdown.
Download the full position description HERE and submit your covering letter and resume clearly matching your skills and experience with those we require, by 10 July 2023 to:
Marguerite Delbet
Executive Officer
Fresh Produce Safety Centre
Via email: eo@fpsc-anz.com
Fresh & Safe eNews 2023 Vol. 1
The FPSC eNewsletter has a fresh new look and name: ‘Fresh & Safe News‘
The newest edition is out now and features a welcome from FPSC’s new Executive Officer Marguerite Delbet, announces FPSC Chairman of the Board Andreas Klieber’s appointment to the Centre For Produce Safety Technical Review Committee in the US, news from around the world concerning mushrooms and welcomes Jody Sharpe as FPSC’s new Communications and Events Officer.
This edition also includes a save the date for the FPSC annal Fresh Produce Safety Conference for 10 August 2023, announces the conference theme and special guest keynote speaker…
Read the full edition HERE.
FPSC A&NZ monthly newsletter out now!
The January 2023 edition of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand newsletter has just been released!
Click here to view the latest newsletter.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in the Fresh Produce Safety community by signing up for the monthly newsletter.
Read Article →FPSC & NZFSSRC sign Memorandum of Understanding
The Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) and the New Zealand Food Safety Science & Research Centre (NZFSSRC) hosted by Massey University Te Kunenga ki P?rehuroa are delighted to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The signing of this agreement is an expression of that affinity to bring people together to improve quality of fresh produce food safety in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
This is an exciting relationship that will progress the ties between both organisations including:
Sharing of expertise and knowledge that applies to fresh produce food safety for example:
New and emerging technologies
Expertise from science leaders, and
Experience from other industries
Assisting in respective connections in government, regulatory and commercial networks to support improved food safety outcomes for consumers
The opportunity of working jointly on research projects
Exploring professional opportunities for students and early career researchers in fresh produce food science/ safety and
Collaborating to expand the outreach activities in food safety in the fresh produce industries in Australia and New Zealand
Both the FPSC and the New Zealand Food Safety Science and Research Centre hosted by Massey University are excited about this partnership and are eager to see it succeed and grow.
For further information please contact Jane Fayad, FPSC EO eo@fpsc-anz.com or Dr Libby Harrison, Director NZ Food Safety Science and Research Centre, Hosted by Massey University l.harrison@massey.ac.nz
FPSC A&NZ monthly newsletter out now!
The December 2022 edition of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre Australia & New Zealand newsletter has just been released!
Click here to view the latest newsletter.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in the Fresh Produce Safety community by signing up for the monthly newsletter.
Read Article →