The British Columbia Produce Marketing Association has been awarded a prestigious health award by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA).

The Fresh Health Award was presented to the organization at the CPMA's 93^rd Annual Convention and Trade Show held in Vancouver last week. 

The CPMA said the recognition is given to an entity that has gone "above and beyond" in promoting the government-backed Half Your Plate program and/or the Freggie Children’s Program.

"Since the launch of Half Your Plate in 2014 the BC Produce Marketing Association has been an industry leader included the Half Your Plate logo, message and information on their website, promoting the message through their annual Healthy Chef competition and providing truck logos for their members," said CPMA president Ron Lemaire.

"By integrating all these activities they have helped to share the message that the healthy choice is an easy choice, fill Half Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies at every meal."

Meanwhile, the Mary Fitzgerald Award was presented to Mike Catalano, Wonderful Brands' regional sales manager. The award is given to someone who has the same passion and dedication for the produce industry as Mary demonstrated throughout her career. 

“Mike has an incredible level of passion for the industry and has immersed himself in every industry association opportunity that he can. He is currently the Vice Chair of the CPMA Education Committee and participates in many industry events,” said Chris Cockle of Wonderful Sales in Canada.

A third prize - the CPMA Lifetime Achievement Award - was presented to Scott Fairbairn, category manager for produce operations at Thrifty Foods.

The CPMA said this award honors an individual who has been recognized by their peers for their "significant contribution" in the produce industry throughout their career and for their continuous support of CPMA activities and industry initiatives. 

“Over his time on the CPMA Board of Directors and in his role on numerous committees, Scott was a dedicated senior volunteer providing clear vision and practical thinking to very complex issues in a very diversified industry environment," Lemaire said.

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