The Center for Produce Safety Annouces the 2026 Research Priorities and Launches a Request for Proposals

The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is pleased to announce the release of its 2026 Research Priorities, developed in close collaboration with leading industry stakeholders and scientific experts. These priorities are designed to address the most pressing knowledge gaps in produce safety and support research that delivers practical, actionable solutions.

In conjunction with the announcement, CPS is launching its Call for Proposals, inviting researchers to submit innovative, science-driven preliminary proposals aligned with the 2026 priorities. Researchers are encouraged to contribute their expertise toward advancing produce safety and protecting public health. Full details and submission guidelines are available on the CPS website.

Suresh DeCosta, Chair of the CPS Technical Committee and Director of Food Safety at Lipman Family Farms, emphasized the importance of industry-driven research:

"Through conversations with industry stakeholders, we have identified the most urgent food safety questions. CPS is committed to funding research that produces clear, practical outcomes to ensure consumer confidence in the food that nourishes our families and communities. Fresh produce growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, distributors, restaurants, and retailers work tirelessly every day to provide millions of servings of safe, nutritious produce. We invite scientists to partner with us in developing solutions that continue to reduce food safety risks across the supply chain."

CPS has a longstanding commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice. By focusing on science-based solutions that can be implemented at scale, CPS ensures that the produce industry has access to the tools and knowledge needed to maintain the highest standards of food safety.

About CPS

The Center for Produce Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3), U.S. tax-exempt, charitable organization dedicated exclusively to advancing produce safety. CPS provides the produce industry and government with open access to actionable information, empowering stakeholders to continually improve practices and reduce food safety risks.