WHY JOIN
Join us now as we begin work, without worry of membership commitment until the end of Q1 2025.
Enthusiasm for the Partnership for Food Traceability (PFT) is high. We recognize that the corporate approval processes most organizations must clear for formal membership can be lengthy. With compliance dates rapidly approaching, we will begin the work of PFT while membership commitments continue to solidify. If you are interested in joining PFT but cannot yet formally commit, you are invited to participate as we begin work. Formal membership commitments will not be required until late Q1 of 2025. The list of current membership commitments can be found on the Membership page, with dozens of others expressing significant interest.
THE WORK
The PFT Pilots Committee and Traceability Committee will begin work in December 2024.
The Pilots Committee will begin by consolidating pilot lessons learned to-date and will then focus on identifying gaps where additional pilot activity would be valuable. Pilot opportunities will then be prioritized, and the highest priority pilots will be scoped and further defined.
The Traceability Committee will focus on:
(i) identifying, categorizing, and prioritizing the issues to be addressed through the Committee and the work groups under it, and
(ii) defining high-level concepts of traceability (e.g., what is the general vision for how KDEs should be exchanged and managed) to a degree that will enable the work groups to undertake their work in more detail.
Given some level of visioning and agreement among the Traceability Committee will be needed before the Work Group activities begin, Work Groups will start after the initial membership commitment date in Q1 2025.
By the completion of the soft launch, we expect to deliver:
- The scope and framework for at least one pilot.
- A highly detailed work plan for the Traceability Committee and its work groups.
- High-level concepts/principles for interoperability that will guide the Traceability Committee’s work groups.
- The scope and milestones for each of the Traceability Committee work groups.
PARTICIPATION
Participation in the Pilots Committee and Traceability Committee during the Soft Launch will be open to both (i) those who submit formal membership applications, and (ii) those who have expressed genuine interest in continuing to pursue membership commitment internally. Although a formal commitment is not necessary to participate in this initial phase, we ask that companies only participate if they are genuinely committed to evaluating PFT’s work and pursuing membership accordingly in good faith.
PFT Soft-Launch Timeline
Membership Commitments
Final membership commitments will be required in late Q1 2025. At that time, PFT work will be limited to only those organizations that have made a formal membership commitment. Accordingly, dues payment will be held for committed members until that time as well. We anticipate full participation by FDA, the Association of Food and Drug Officials (AFDO), and National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) during the soft launch.
Although formal membership and corporate structures will not be implemented during the soft launch, PFT will be operate in the spirit of the PFT Bylaws, as summarized in the Membership Prospectus.
Industry Members
Companies involved in manufacturing, processing, packing, or holding foods are invited to join as voting members. Influence critical traceability decisions that impact your sector and beyond.
Trade Associations
Represent your members by participating in PFT’s decision-making process. Contribute to a collective vision that benefits the entire industry.
Technical Experts & Vendors
Non-voting membership is available for technology vendors and experts who support food traceability. Contribute your expertise and stay ahead of industry developments.