No action announced on UF, PMA merger

As of June 6, no action had been announced on a possible merger between United Fresh (UF) and the Produce Marketing Association (PMA).

Officials of both organizations are divulging few details. A vote on the merger had been anticipated for June 4. However, no official confirmation of a vote or any outcomes has been announced.

UF Immediate Past Chairwoman Steffanie Smith and Mike O'Brien, immediate past chairman at PMA, are leading the task force exploring the possibility of a merger. According to a joint statement attributed to them, “Talks between our associations are continuing.”

No time line or expectations for next steps was given.

The groups are exploring consolidation to eliminate duplication and create more efficiencies for staff as well as membership.