OMA ‘Food Day’ Features Insights on Packaging, Overview of Ohio’s Food Production

On Dec. 9, the OMA hosted its annual Ohio Food and Beverage Manufacturers Policy Council via Zoom. Chaired by Jennifer Sweeney, Campbell Soup Company’s head of government affairs and public liaison, the event featured remarks from Dorothy Pelanda, director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), and Terri Gerhardt, ODA’s food safety chief.

In addition to public policy updates from OMA staff, members were presented an overview of Ohio’s food production capacity by Tim Derickson, senior director of food and agribusiness at JobsOhio. Dan Felton, executive director of the American Institute for Packaging and the Environment (AMERIPEN), briefed members on recycling and recovery issues facing the packaging industry.

Other presenters included Rebecca Singer, president and CEO of OMA Connections Partner Center for Innovative Food Technology (CIFT), and Laura Factor, assistant director at the Ohio EPA. 12/9/2021