Bryan Silbermann, president of the Produce Marketing Association, will receive an Award of Distinction from the University of California, Davis, on October 5.

Silbermann is one of eight faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences who will receive the award for helping to enhance the college’s ability to provide cutting-edge research, a top-notch education, and innovative outreach.

Silbermann will be recognized for his role in establishing the Center for Produce Safety at the university in response to an outbreak of Escherichia coli in spinach in 2006. At his recommendation, the PMA board approved $2 million in start-up funding for the center, which prompted commitments of an additional $2 million to start a research program.

CPS identifies food safety research priorities, funds research, and coordinates forums to convey research information to the produce industry. To date, it has funded 42 research projects.