TIPA is the organization that can help you reach your goals and be prepared for the future. Members gain access and assistance from a professional and experienced staff ready to help you on issues such as:
Tackling these issues alone is difficult, but being a member of TIPA gives you the strength in numbers.
By joining the TIPA Membership you will be part of over 360 industry companies which include:
And many more Allied Industry members!
Every year, TIPA produces a directory booklet with all its members listed. Being a member will grant you access to this booklet and also being listed among the members.
An online directory is also available. If you need to get access to the online directory, please contact info@texipa.org. Only members will have access to this.
TIPA works on pressing issues in today’s world. Whether it affects your business at the farm or at the border, TIPA has tackled issues on all fronts.
Due to be published May 25 for implementation October 1, 2023. This new schedule will have fee structure specific for 8e Commodities – specifically limiting the charges on multiple lots.
TIPA has been working closely with USDA to improve the HTS codes for fresh produce items. Of the nearly 50 new codes created in the last year, more than $3 billion worth of goods have been attributed to the new codes already. This is important for good data collection of imported FFV items.
TIPA continues to collaborate in this international food safety partnership. In July, alongside FDA, ProExport & IFPA as partners TIPA will present at the International Association for Food Protection Summit in Toronto on the history and impacts of this effort.
The CBP Ag Internships program has transitioned into a permanent addition at 3 RGV bridges (Pharr, Los Indios & Starr). We will begin working on a similar program with USDA for Entomologist Internships at Texas POEs.
Participating in regular talks as part of Border Trade Alliance to coordinate with federal and state authorities to ensure that trade is minimally impacted during the conclusion of Title 42. This includes weighing in on the importance of contingency plans specific to perishable cargo and the speedy resolution of any such delays.
Presented on-going marketing efforts about highlighted the importance of promotions and marketing to regional growers and educational staff.
In collaboration with RGV Sugar & TCM, TIPA was able to support efforts that saw 14 Texas Congressional Reps & Sen. John Cornyn sign onto a letter insisting that the State Department engage with IBWC and Mexico to ensure more MX-water is released to fulfill the treaty.
In collaboration w/ TDA’s efforts to take Texas products into international markets, TIPA participated in a Texas-coalition of exhibitors and retail/wholesaler visits at the CPMTIPA successfully worked with USDA to change how Lime prices are shown in the USDA Market News reports again. In addition, TIPA has formed a Lime Committee and will be hosting an educational effort in late Summer 2023 to improve awareness of lime grades and standards.A Expo event in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
TIPA successfully worked with USDA to change how Lime prices are shown in the USDA Market News reports again. In addition, TIPA has formed a Lime Committee and will be hosting an educational effort in late Summer 2023 to improve awareness of lime grades and standards.
As April is Texas Fruit & Vegetable Month, on 4/5 & 4/19 TIPA visited TX legislators & senators in their Austin offices in AM to discuss critical industry issues and discuss current bills. In the afternoons, we handed out fresh produce to promote awareness and importance of the industry. This effort was a tremendous success as we saw direct rewards in advancing HB 3991 –Fruit & Vegetable Day in Texas Public Schools.
In the wake of Hurricane Hannah 2020 & Valentine Freeze 2021, TIPA was among many ag groups lobbying to see a disaster relief fund set-up for to cover these events. In late 2022, ERP was announced to replace WHIP for those years, and in March 2023 sign-ups for ERP Phase 2 to cover fruits & vegetables began.
TIPA had presence at multiple events for Farm Bill 2023 listening sessions in Texas where we provided our region’s fruit and vegetable perspectives. This included a large panel hearing in Waco, as well as a stakeholder roundtable in McAllen that was mostly fruit & vegetable producers & handlers.
Record breaking w/ 2600 attendees, over 400 retail-foodservice buyers, and 208 exhibitors. Thus far, very positive feedback all around with a lot of excitement for the Houston 2024 event.
Prepared by Texas A&M’s Center for North American Studies, this economic impact report has been a vital tool since its first edition in 2016. It is a citable reference on the importance of imported fruits and vegetables as a measure of the value to the economy.
Organized by the RGV Partnership, this advocacy event is a march on the capitol in Austin in which more than 200 participants from the RGV visited state legislatures and senators to discuss regional priorities. TIPA provided the grapefruit handed out to each office, an informational pamphlet on our sector, and was a team leader for office visits.
In collaboration w/ TDA’s efforts to take Texas products into international markets, TIPA participated in a Texas-coalition of exhibitors at the Fruit Logistica event in Berlin, Germany. This effort has already paid off, as multiple international leads have been passed to TIPA members for new offshore business opportunities.
More than 200 representatives from various Texas Representatives and Staffers participated in the region’s 2nd legislative tour, in which members from all over Texas visited the Rio Grande Valley to learn about the region’s diverse business sectors, geography, demographics and needs/challenges. TIPA had the opportunity to speak before the group about our industry & needs.
TIPA was again a title sponsor and collaborated by providing grower names for the valley’s 5th annual RGV Citrus & Veg Day. This event brings the valley’s fresh produce industry in contact with the youth of the community through groups such as 4-H & FFA. The event focuses on school age students harvesting fresh produce items for a judging contest.
As a member of TIPA, you become a part of an important and influential group of people who are making decisions regarding the future of the Texas fresh produce industry – are decisions that will affect your business. As a member, you will also stay informed about produce industry issues and events, and be able to participate in excellent educational workshops and seminars. Most importantly, membership in TIPA provides you with the chance to expand your business contacts, and develop new relationships with potential customers.
Companies that provide products and services to the produce industry also benefit immensely from TIPA membership. As an allied industry member, you can gain visibility for your company through networking opportunities along with providing financial support of association activities, critical to the financial success of all members.
State: TIPA maintains a presence in Austin during state legislative sessions, advocating the grower/shipper position on agricultural issues. Federal: TIPA staff regularly appears before Congress on key national issues impacting its membership and works in conjunction with other regional and national organizations and coalitions to favorably influence federal legislation.
Members of TIPA also gain the assistance of a professional, experienced, knowledgeable staff with many years of combined experience in the fresh produce industry. When you have questions about issues like taxes, PLU codes, labor laws, food safety, immigration reform, international trade issues, and other subjects, you can simply pick up the phone and the TIPA staff is ready to answer your questions.
As an importer and marketer of fresh grown produce, the International Trade Division provides the only forum to address problem areas, and identifies opportunities to improve your business environment and promote your products.
Membership Directory: Published annually listing members by classification, produce grown or shipped, services provided, addresses, and key personnel.
Government Relations: TIPA’s staff maintains strong working relationships with most state and federal regulatory agencies, ensuring frequent communication with key representatives of agencies that oversee the industry. Communication enables TIPA to help shape regulations authorized under statutory law at the state and federal level. Texas Produce Policy Council (TPPC): The mission of the TPPC is to provide financial support directly to the election/reelection campaigns of selected public servants who demonstrate a positive commitment to fresh fruit and vegetable industries in Texas and nationwide.
Texas Produce Convention & Expo: The largest gathering of the produce industry in the Southwest features a variety of seminars and workshops, as well as an exposition featuring the latest technologies and services designed to help you direct the future of your company. In addition, the convention and exposition provides an opportunity for you to expand your business contacts by networking with a diverse group of people involved in the produce industry. Seminars conducted throughout the year to provide information on laws, regulations, and new technology affecting the industry.
National Promotion: Includes monthly and quarterly mailings to over 1,800 food buyers nationwide and in Canada, listing fruit and vegetable availability and sources. National Exposition: TIPA annually coordinates the Texas Town Pavilion exhibit at the Produce Marketing Association convention, the largest industry gathering held in the United States. Canadian Promotion: TIPA actively participates in “Go South! For Today’s Meal Solutions”, a program promoting Texas fruits and vegetables utilizing USDA Market Access Program funds. Trade Tours: TIPA frequently coordinates trade tours of buyers interested in visiting Texas produce production areas.
Hall of Fame Program: Established in 1988, this program recognizes those leaders who have been instrumental in building the Texas produce industry. Scholarship Program: TIPA recognizes the need to educate the future generations of produce industry leaders by annually presenting annually a scholarship to a student studying in the field of agriculture.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance: TIPA’s Safety Group provides members affordable insurance and a strong safety program through the Texas Mutual Insurance Company. Medical: Through an endorsed program, TIPA constantly provides members with the best available medical insurance coverage. Property and Casualty: TIPA provides tailored programs designed to meet the individual needs of each member. Crop Insurance: TIPA endorses a major crop insurance provider to ensure the best possible service for association members.
