Ozark Food Processors Association hosts 112th annual convention; Food Science marks 50th anniversary
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Sept. 21, 2018
Fast facts
- 112th annual OFPA Convention set for Oct. 17-18
- Two days also include 50th anniversary celebration of Food Science Dept.
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sessions on food security and food safety will underscore the theme of the 112th Ozark Food Processors Association annual convention and exposition, set for Oct. 17-18 at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville.
Rod Wheeler, founder and chief executive officer of The Global Food Defense Institute, will be presenting the keynote on Thursday, Oct. 18, at noon. He’ll speak on “Regulation vs. Reality”: Merging Food Safety Modernization Act Food Defense Regulations with Reality.”
The convention features educational sessions, an expo and an update on the food industry from a legal perspective by Harrison Pittman, director of the National Agricultural Law Center, and a talk on integrating security technology by Brooke Leverett, safety and asset protection for Walmart Stores. The law center is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
In addition, chefs from Tyson Foods and Firmenich will discuss global trends in street foods and prepare a tasting for attendees.
Embedded with the annual convention on Thursday afternoon will be the 50th anniversary celebration of the Food Science Department, part of the Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, featuring the “Past Present and Perseverance,” an alumni spotlight and a reception.
“OFPA and the Food Science Department have a long history; as the mission of OFPA has been to support the research and education efforts in Food Science,” said Renee Threlfall, a research scientist for the Division of Agriculture and Bumpers College. “Over the past 50 years, three Food Science faculty have led OFPA and the organization has provided more than 500 scholarships to food science students and contributed financially to constructing and equipping Food Science Department facilities.
The cost is $125 per person before the conference, and $175 per person on-site. There is no charge to attend the Food Science anniversary celebration.
For more information. Call 479-575-4607 or email ofpa@uark.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact 479-575-4607 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu