<p><strong>Davis, CA</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The Center for Produce Safety is welcoming three generous donations from supporters in the industry. Between the three, CPS is accepting a total of $200,000. The generosity of the supporters will support CPS's competitive research grant programs, according to a press release. CPS funds produce-general and commodity-specific research that focuses on the fresh produce industry's food safety research needs.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> International Paper, a global paper and packaging company has pledged $100,000. Peter Heist, Area Vice President, International Paper, states, "International Paper is a large supplier of corrugated packaging for customers in the fresh produce industry, where food safety is of critical importance." He continues, "Supporting this valuable research is just one more way that International Paper can add value to our customers by helping to ensure the delivery of safe, fresh, high-quality produce to consumers."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> H-E-B and Duda Farm Fresh Foods each donated $50,000 to the center. Hugh Topper, vice president of Fresh for H-E-B states, "H-E-B recognizes that produce is a part of a healthy diet and is committed to offering high quality product each and every day. We are also committed to safe food and are proud to support CPS in its research efforts focused in this area."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Sam Duda, Vice President, Duda Farm Fresh Foods, stated, "Duda is proud to be a part of CPS and believes that food safety research is critical to the current and future health of our industry. We believe the scientific research funded by CPS is crucial to enhance food safety and we are thrilled to make a contribution toward this goal."</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
