PMA, United Fresh Merger Falls Through

 NEWARK, Del. - Produce Marketing Assoication and United Fresh Produce Association have been unable to reach acceptable merger terms, according to a statement released by Mike O'Brien, co-chair of the joint task force leading merger discussions.

"I acknowledge with profound disappointment that despite our best efforts we were unable to agree on an acceptable joint association model that would meet both member and industry needs," O'Brien said in the statement. "Once again, let me state for the record that this was a decision made by PMA's volunteer leaders on behalf of our members. PMA remains committed to building collaborative relationships with all our association partners in the U.S. and abroad."

O'Brien said PMA entered into negotiations with the goal of doing what is best for its members and the produce industry. "We never lost focus on fulfilling that goal," he said."

"PMA's strength has always been its ability to unite our industry, and move forward together toward our common goal of increasing consumption," he said. "I know we can move past the recent events to continue to work together to ensure a future where our fresh fruits and vegetables are always at the center of the plate."