Produce Traceability Initiative

• Resources & Tools
• Events & News
• Press Room/Contacts
• Participating Companies
• Case Studies/Pilot Test Findings

Resources & Tools

In an effort to implement the Produce Traceability Initiative as outlined in the Action Plan, the following Resources & Tools are available to provide comprehensive background information on each of the steps and best practices to assist the industry in accomplishing the milestones.

Making the Case for PTI

“About the PTI” Flyer (September 2011)

Designed for printing or for electronic distribution, this 2-page overview of the Produce Traceability Initiative describes the PTI's objectives, identifies its benefits to trading partners, and provides a high-level look at PTI basics and milestones.  It is designed primarily for industry members who should know more about the PTI, as well as for other interested parties such as regulatory, legislative and other government officials.

Traceability Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions that are most frequently asked about the PTI’s vision and action plan.

Produce Traceability Initiative versus DataBar

The Produce Traceability Initiative is unrelated to buyer-specific projects on the DataBar. Due to the confusion, this document was created to briefly explain the difference between the two. After reading this document, please refer to the PTI Toolkit for more details on the PTI and refer to the sponsoring trade association websites for more details on the DataBar ( PMA, CPMA, United Fresh ).

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PTI Updates

CPMA/GS1 US/PMA/United Fresh Implementation Survey Summary ((April 2012))

The Produce Traceability Initiative survey finds widespread progress toward all milestones with suppliers leading adoption.  

Produce Traceability Initiative Update (October 2010)

This presentation by PMA provides an update to the industry on PTI.

Produce Traceability Initiative Update (July 2010)

This presentation by PMA explains the genesis and rationale of the PTI’s solution to move the industry from its current internal traceability capability to achieve chainwide (external) traceability via standardized electronic case coding.

CPMA/PMA/United Fresh Statement of Recommitment to the PTI (May 2010)

The Executive Committees of the PTI’s three administering associations have restated their commitment to the initiative, and proposed six recommendations moving forward.

PMA/United Fresh Industry Survey Summary (March 2010)

Seventy percent of respondents are working to implement the PTI’s milestones, according to a newly-released survey of companies selling into the United States. Respondents offered insight into their needs and interests to the PTI leadership moving forward.

GS1 US Buyer Survey Summary (March 2010)

A survey conducted by not-for-profit solution provider GS1 US found a majority of buyers are working to implement the PTI, and also offered valuable insight to the PTI leadership on issues and interests facing this segment of the supply chain.

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Best Practices, Checklists and Related Documents

The following documents were created to assist the industry in voluntary implementation of the PTI and may not reflect all business or regulatory requirements in the marketplace. Users are reminded to ensure that your organization is familiar with all requirements in your target market(s).

Best Practices for Private Label/Brand (April 2012)

Best Practices for Repacking/Commingling (March 2012)

Best Practice for Produce Brokers (March 2012)

Best Practices Data Synchronization (March 2012)

Best Practices for Direct Print (February 2012)

Best Practices for Formatting Case Labels (January 2012)

Best Practices for Preparing to Assign GTINs (January 2012)

Best Practices for Product Substitutions (January 2012)

Best Practices for Cross Docking (December 2011)

Best Practices for Labeling Hybrid Pallets (November 2011)

Data Synchronization: Grade Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Commodity and Variant Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Growing Method Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Units of Measure Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Package Type Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Country of Origin Codes (February 2012)

Data Synchronization: Worksheet Example (February 2012)

Data Synchronization Template (February 2012)

Guidance on Choosing a Technology Provider (February 2012)

PTI Checklist for Growers/Packers/Shippers

PTI Checklist for Receivers

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Traceability Implementation Guides

GS1 Global Fruit & Vegetable Traceability Implementation Guide (May 2010)

New from GS1, this guide documents best practices for implementing traceability in the fresh produce industry. This practical guide is intended for those responsible for implementing traceability in their company’s operations across the entire produce supply chain. It updates and replaces the CPMA/PMA Fresh Produce Traceability Guide to Implementation v2 (October 2006).

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Calculators

Voice Pick Code Calculator (Source: HarvestMark)

This tool will calculate four-digit voice pick codes for PTI-compliant case labels.

GTIN Check Digit Calculator (Source: GS1 US)

Note this link will redirect you to the GS1 US website; use the check digit calculator for the PTI-compliant 14-digit GTIN.

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PTI Administration and Operations

PTI Organizational Chart (August 2010)

The PTI organization began transitioning in August 2010 to allow for more industry involvement. The new structure includes a supply chain-wide Leadership Council, several industry-led working groups to manage key PTI activities, and more.

PTI Working Group Charters (August 2010)

The new PTI organization includes industry-led working groups to manage key PTI activities. This document describes each working group's charter.

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