The Packer added a new feature to its Produce Market Guide database of produce commodities and companies that offer them. Growers can now upload documentation necessary for transactions to obtain a “verified” status in the system.
These documents include proof of liability insurance, third-party audit data and Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act licenses.
“This new PMG tool is revolutionary ... and simple,” says Shannon Shuman, vice president and publisher for produce at Farm Journal Media, which owns The Produce Market Guide, The Packer and Produce Retailer. “Buyers, wholesalers and retailers are telling us that management of certifications is a major hurdle in the buyer-seller relationship, so our solution aggregates all of this information in one easy-to-use resource.”
The platform allows buyers to save a personal list, connect with growers to securely access documents and initiate private chat sessions with sellers. The Produce Market Guide staff is currently with growers to get documents into the system so they can be listed as verified.