At the recent 2025 NASDA Annual Meeting, a presentation on global trends in agriculture underscored predictions made more than a decade ago: by 2025, produce markets would be more global, more interdependent, and more complex. Today, those forecasts are a reality. Imports of key produce commodities have surged while U.S. production for some crops has declined, and nearly half of all fresh produce in the U.S. comes from abroad.

Importers play a pivotal role in ensuring that global supply chains meet U.S. food safety requirements.

The Foreign Supplier Verification Program (FSVP) is central to this effort. However, many operations remain unaware of the FSVP requirements or have not yet participated in FSVP training. Expanding global trade makes it critical that all supply-chain partners understand how to verify foreign suppliers and strengthen compliance practices in the U.S.

FSVP training can support brand reputation, enhance market access, strengthen supplier relationships, improve readiness in a competitive global marketplace, prevent costly disruptions, and advance produce safety.

There is an opportunity now for fresh produce importers to strengthen their role in advancing a safe and reliable supply. Education and training are the bridge to a globally connected produce industry and can strengthen market readiness.

Click here to learn more about the Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance Training.