International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium 2026

INSPIRING INDUSTRY

through practical action and collaboration on food safety

The 2026 International Fresh Produce Safety Symposium (IFPSS26) has concluded after two days of practical learning, collaboration and industry connection, with delegates describing the event as an inspiring and valuable investment in the future of fresh produce food safety.

Words Jody Sharpe, Communications & Events Officer, Fresh Produce Safety Centre

Training session with growers, food safety professionals and delegates in a classroom watching a screen with a greenhouse simulation

The Symposium brought together growers, food safety professionals, researchers, regulators and supply chain partners.

GROWER wellbeing

HELD in Sydney under the theme Evidence to Action, the Symposium brought together growers, food safety professionals, researchers, regulators and supply chain partners from across Australia and New Zealand to explore the latest science, emerging risks and practical solutions shaping the industry.

Our international keynote speakers were Dr Elizabeth Bihn, Director of the Produce Safety Alliance at Cornell University, and D'Arcie Rice, from the British Leafy Salads Association. Their engaging keynote sessions challenged delegates to think differently about empowering people, strengthening food safety culture and turning knowledge into meaningful action. They also led two interactive workshops that encouraged delegates to collaborate, share experiences and develop practical solutions they can take back to their own businesses.

Key takeaways

▪ Food safety is central to the success of growers and the fresh produce industry

▪ Outbreaks attributed to fresh produce can have lasting health impacts on ill people and can lead to reduced consumption of that product for many years afterwards

▪ Empowering people is the smart thing to do

▪ Culture is what people do when no-one is looking

▪ Collaboration is essential to strengthen food safety systems and respond to incidents

▪ We need to make food safety more accessible for growers and workers

▪ You get strong buy-in when solutions are built for growers, by growers

Food safety professionals in protective gear touring a greenhouse operation
Field trip participants in high-visibility vests at a produce packing facility

Above: Field trip participants experienced food safety systems in action.

The event began with a sold-out field trip to Eastcoast Beverages and Family Fresh Farms, where participants experienced food safety systems in action, gaining valuable insights into best practice across production and

Dr Betsy Bihn delivering a keynote presentation on empowering people and optimising food safety training

Keynote speaker Dr Elizabeth Bihn, Cornell University.

Delegates seated at a round table during a workshop session
A speaker addressing attendees in a discussion group
A woman presenting at a podium in front of a screen
Attendees seated at tables taking notes during the symposium

Above: The combination of world-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, industry case studies and collaborative networking reinforced the events reputation as Australia and New Zealand's leading forum dedicated to fresh produce food safety.

packing operations with emphasis on hygiene practices and good food safety culture.

Networking remained a defining feature of the Symposium, with delegates praising the opportunity to build relationships across every part of the fresh produce supply chain.
Sarah Fragapane, Brocco Farm

“The event gave us the opportunity to connect with people across the industry that growers and farmers don't often get the chance to speak with. Those conversations were incredibly valuable... It's so important that conversations around food safety are built from the ground up, with growers included and supported every step of the way.”

Delegates highlighted the quality and relevance of the programme, with feedback consistently praising its practical focus, expert presenters and opportunities for discussion. The combination of world-class keynote speakers, interactive workshops, industry case studies and collaborative networking reinforced the events reputation as Australia and New Zealand's leading forum dedicated to fresh produce food safety.

With another successful Symposium complete, the Fresh Produce Safety Centre looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to strengthen food safety capability and collaboration across the industry. Dates for the 2027 event will be announced soon.

More information
For enquiries or comment, contact FPSC CEO Damien Farrelly at ceo@fpsc-anz.com