Pacific Nut Producer Magazine

Tag: Safe Food Alliance

  • Hillari Bynum Promoted to Senior Position at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance recently announced the promotion of Hillari Bynum to Senior Director, Growth and Innovation. In this newly expanded leadership role, Hillari will oversee the organization’s growth-focused functions, including business development, marketing, customer experience, technology enablement and innovation initiatives.

    “Hillari has consistently demonstrated the ability to look beyond traditional marketing and identify opportunities to strengthen our organization. From relaunching Safe Food California to leading technology initiatives, she has helped modernize how we serve our members and customers,” said Brendan O’Donnell, President and CEO of DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance.

    Reflecting on her new role, Hillari shared, “By combining three teams into one cohesive organization with two clear mandates, we’re creating a stronger, more aligned team that can move faster, innovate more effectively, and deliver greater value to our customers and
    members.”

  • New Pilot Program for Walnut Inspections Could be a Game-Changer for Entire Tree Nut Industry

    California walnut growers have been wanting to see more consistency on incoming inspections, and DFA of California has been leading the charge to deliver on that. Brendan O’Donnell, President of DFA of California met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details on a new pilot program in walnuts that has been implemented this season that could be a game changer for the entire tree nut industry. Watch the interview and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

  • Safe Food California Conference Returning After Six Year Hiatus

    Food safety professionals in the dried fruit, nut and fresh fruit industries will be gathering in Monterey this June for DFA of California’s Safe Food Conference.  This annual event finally returns after a six-year hiatus.  Watch this video as Hillari Bynum from DFA of California shares more details about the conference with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and what food safety professionals have long awaited.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor  SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Brendan O’Donnell Selected as President/CEO of DFA and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance are pleased to announce the appointment of Brendan O’Donnell as their new President and CEO, effective August 1st, 2024. Brendan brings over two decades of extensive leadership experience in the food and agriculture industry, marked by his commitment to innovation, food safety, and sustainable practices.

    Prior to joining DFA and Safe Food Alliance, Brendan served as Global Segment Director, Nuts & Citrus at TOMRA Food, where he led global teams and spearheaded customer-focused product development initiatives. His tenure at TOMRA showcased his strategic acumen and ability to drive growth through effective leadership and market insights.

    “Looking ahead, we are very pleased with the appointment of Brendan O’Donnell to succeed Vaughn as President & CEO. Brendan has demonstrated extraordinary communication and leadership skills in his roles at TOMRA and Monte Vista Farming Company. These skills, along with his technical background, make him an excellent fit to lead the DFA/Safe Food Alliance organization,” said Brian Dunning, President & CEO
    of ShoEi Foods USA and current Chair of the DFA Board. “His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting the dried fruit, tree nut, and specialty crop industries, and I am confident in his ability to enhance our member services and strengthen our industry partnerships.”

    Throughout his career, Brendan has held pivotal roles at Monte Vista Farming Company and Sun Valley Rice, where he contributed significantly to business growth and market expansion. He holds an Executive Certificate in Negotiation from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business and a B.S. in Agricultural Systems and Environment from the University of California, Davis.

    “I am honored to join DFA and Safe Food Alliance at such an exciting time in our industry,” said Brendan O’Donnell. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive innovation, strengthen food safety standards, and support our members and partners as we navigate new opportunities and challenges ahead.”

    In addition to his professional achievements, Brendan is dedicated to his family and enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, Erin, and their two teenage children.

    About DFA of California

    Founded in 1908, DFA of California is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting the dried fruit, tree nut, and specialty crop industries. DFA supports processors through rigorous inspection services, member benefits, food safety training, and provides support on numerous export related matters. For more information, visit DFA of California.

    About Safe Food Alliance

    Safe Food Alliance provides a comprehensive range of food safety services designed specifically for food processors and manufacturers throughout California. As a full service food safety company, Safe Food Alliance provides third-party laboratory testing, complemented by extensive food safety training, consulting services, and third-party certification audits offered through a separate company, Safe Food Certifications.

  • EU Proposes New MRL Regulation on Imported Pistachios

    It appears that aflatoxin will not be the only naturally occurring mold sabotaging pistachio shipments destined for the European Union.  The EU is proposing a new MRL regulation on Ochratoxin A in pistachio imports to go into effect January 1, 2023. But what is Ochratoxin A and what should the pistachio industry know about this? Watch this brief interview with Thomas Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he explains.  Read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • Clarification of New Farm Water Testing Requirements Under FSMA

    For those agricultural commodities that are subject to the new Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act, water testing will be a key component in this adjustment.  In some cases, these water testing requirements may include more than just what you are irrigating the crop with.  Watch this brief interview with Tom Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he clarifies these requirements.

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.