Member Services Guide
Why should I join TIPA?

TIPA is committed to helping its members capitalize on the changes that face the industry - and your business. TIPA is well equipped to help you reach your goals and be prepared for the future.

As a member of TIPA, you become a part of an important and influential group of people who are making decisions regarding the future of the Texas fresh produce industry - are decisions that will affect your business. As a member, you will also stay informed about produce industry issues and events, and be able to participate in excellent educational workshops and seminars. Most importantly, membership in TIPA provides you with the chance to expand your business contacts, and develop new relationships with potential customers.

As an importer and marketer of fresh grown produce, the International Trade Division provides the only forum to address problem areas, and identifies opportunities to improve your business environment and promote your products.

Companies that provide products and services to the produce industry also benefit immensely from TIPA membership.  As an allied industry member, you can gain visibility for your company through networking opportunities along with providing financial support of association activities, critical to the financial success of all members. 

Members of TIPA also gain the assistance of a professional, experienced, knowledgeable staff with many years of combined experience in the fresh produce industry. When you have questions about issues like taxes, PLU codes, labor laws, food safety, immigration reform, international trade issues, and other subjects, you can simply pick up the phone and the TIPA staff is ready to answer your questions.

Legislative:

  • State: TIPA maintains a presence in Austin during state legislative sessions, advocating the grower/shipper position on agricultural issues.
  • Federal: TIPA staff regularly appears before Congress on key national issues impacting its membership and works in conjunction with other regional and national organizations and coalitions to favorably influence federal legislation.

Government Relations:

  • Government Relations: TIPA’s staff maintains strong working relationships with most state and federal regulatory agencies, ensuring frequent communication with key representatives of agencies that oversee the industry. Communication enables TIPA to help shape regulations authorized under statutory law at the state and federal level.
  • Texas Produce Policy Council (TPPC): The mission of the TPPC is to provide financial support directly to the election/reelection campaigns of selected public servants who demonstrate a positive commitment to fresh fruit and vegetable industries in Texas and nationwide.

Education:

  • Texas Produce Convention & Expo: The largest gathering of the produce industry in the Southwest features a variety of seminars and workshops, as well as an exposition featuring the latest technologies and services designed to help you direct the future of your company. In addition, the convention and exposition provides an opportunity for you to expand your business contacts by networking with a diverse group of people involved in the produce industry.
  • Seminars conducted throughout the year to provide information on laws, regulations, and new technology affecting the industry.

Communication:

  • Membership Directory: Published annually listing members by classification, produce grown or shipped, services provided, addresses, and key personnel.

Promotional Activities:

  • National Promotion: Includes monthly and quarterly mailings to over 1,800 food buyers nationwide and in Canada, listing fruit and vegetable availability and sources.
  • National Exposition: TIPA annually coordinates the Texas Town Pavilion exhibit at the Produce Marketing Association convention, the largest industry gathering held in the United States.
  • Canadian Promotion: TIPA actively participates in “Go South! For Today’s Meal Solutions”, a program promoting Texas fruits and vegetables utilizing USDA Market Access Program funds.
  • Trade Tours: TIPA frequently coordinates trade tours of buyers interested in visiting Texas produce production areas.

Hall of Fame:

  • Hall of Fame Program: Established in 1988, this program recognizes those leaders who have been instrumental in building the Texas produce industry.
  • Scholarship Program: TIPA recognizes the need to educate the future generations of produce industry leaders by annually presenting annually a scholarship to a student studying in the field of agriculture.

Insurance:

  • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: TIPA’s Safety Group provides members affordable insurance and a strong safety program through the Texas Mutual Insurance Company.
  • Medical: Through an endorsed program, TIPA constantly provides members with the best available medical insurance coverage.
  • Property and Casualty: TIPA provides tailored programs designed to meet the individual needs of each member.
  • Crop Insurance:  TIPA endorses a major crop insurance provider to ensure the best possible service for association members.