IFPA CEO calls for ‘competitive, level playing field’ for U.S. ag
International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns joined fellow industry leaders to discuss agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit in Washington, D.C., March 18, according to a news release.
“We heard from the leading voices in food and agriculture — the highest policymakers in the administration and Capitol Hill, as well as the top producers, growers and industry innovators,” Burns said. “While we don’t agree on everything, one message is abundantly clear: If we as a nation care about having a robust and sustainable domestic food supply, more needs to be done to ensure a competitive, level playing field for U.S. agriculture.
“I believe we can harness the energy from the summit of problem solvers to find ways for government, industry and advocates to come together in pursuit of a common goal, but we can’t let up for a second and we have to stay focused on the mission,” she continued.
As part of the day’s agenda, industry leaders discussed innovations and opportunities behind climate-smart agriculture, emphasizing the inherent sustainability of specialty crops.
“One way to address the climate crisis is to eat more fruits and vegetables, the original ‘plant-based food’ that’s best for nutrition and for the planet,” Burns said. “Our industry is at the forefront of sustainability and also highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. That’s why we are making critical investments in climate-smart innovations to advance technologies and practices that can overcome the headwinds of climate change.”
IFPA says it is encouraging the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices among its members, as well as leveraging a $15 million USDA grant program for environmental and economic sustainability in the sector.
Additionally, IFPA’s Fresh Fields Catalyst technology accelerator program, now in its third year, helps bring ready-to-deploy, climate-smart solutions to market for the produce and floral industries, the release said. Time magazine recently recognized three of IFPA’s accelerator alumni as America’s top greentech companies.
“Through these efforts, we are also getting much needed data that will contribute to scaling solutions across industries, and we are ready to collaborate,” Burns said. “Collaboration is the new currency, it’s the only way we are going to make an impact across the agriculture sector.”
Burns highlighted IFPA's active role in influencing agricultural policy, pointing to the association's engagement in global climate discussions, including engaging with regulators around the potential packaging bans in Canada and the European Union.
Reinforcing the importance of informed policymaking, Burns called for a balanced approach that considers the intricate dynamics of the fresh produce supply chain. She advocated for partnerships with regulators to ensure that new sustainability measures are scientifically sound and industry-appropriate, highlighting recent collaborations on packaging innovations and food safety, the release said.
“As regulators develop a framework for climate-smart policies, they must harmonize standards for all commodities. Alignment is essential in order for this to be effective,” Burns said.
A sponsor of the summit, IFPA provided fresh produce as snacks for attendees as well as floral centerpieces and stage decor.
"We were thrilled to display the vibrant offerings of the fresh produce industry at this year's Ag & Food Policy Summit,” Burns said. “This showcase emphasized our industry's essential role in promoting health, sustainability, and the vital connection to the environment that sustains us."
The Ag & Food Policy Summit brought together around 400 attendees in person, including media and congressional staff, with several hundred more participating virtually, the release said.
