International Fresh Produce Association recently gathered over 250 industry leaders and volunteers at a spring policy and regulatory forum hosted in Washington, D.C.
This year’s event brought together industry volunteers to discuss issues important to the fresh produce industry. After a series of committee and council meetings, along with education sessions, volunteers headed to Capitol Hill to meet with elected officials, members of the administration and embassy professionals.
What’s more, the IFPA board of directors held a meeting in conjunction with this event. The forum began April 25 with expert presentations and panels covering topics such as traceability and the farm bill, according to a news release.
“A year ago, our industry was facing many challenges — ranging from inflation, market instability, global conflict,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in the release. “While we’re still addressing these obstacles, as an industry, our products remain at the center of the conversation when it comes to changing the health of our citizens and the world.”
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Nutrition, health, climate, labor, farm bill and food safety are priority topics for legislators, staffers and their constituents, Burns continued Burns.
“Your participation in this forum is especially relevant as issues like the farm bill, food safety, labor, trade, and more are being debated in Congress. You are helping us deliver on our vision to be an impactful champion for our industry through advocacy,” she said in the release.
Ray Starling, author of “Farmers Versus Foodies,” opened the forum with a look at the forces forging the future of farming and food, according to the release.
“Despite the gains in productivity and yields made by agriculture, critics remain convinced our food system is broken and is in need of a transformation,” Starling said in the release. “For example, farmers view themselves as sustainable by nature, while outsiders view agricultural sustainability as something to be monitored and measured.”
Starling added that the industry’s voice as a credible source of information is extremely valuable when discussing issues with policymakers at the federal and state levels and encouraged attendees to leverage their voices and influence when they met with lawmakers on the second day of the forum.
“You have to compete and tell your story, prepare, and remember why your leadership matters that you are there on Capitol Hill,” he added.
Key advocacy issues
According to the release, members of IFPA’s government relations staff were joined by representatives from IFPA member companies, academia, regulatory agencies and media for discussions on:
FDA traceability requirements.
Nutrition opportunities via the Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP).
Perspectives on mergers and acquisitions in produce industry.
The farm bill as food policy.
On April 26, fresh produce industry leaders gathered to discuss industry talking points to prepare to march to Capitol Hill. Teams met with senators, representatives and their staff to discuss industry needs and concerns on food safety, nutrition, workforce and the farm bill up for reauthorization this year.
This is IFPA’s second policy and regulation forum and one way for industry members to participate in advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry. Additionally, IFPA members can sign up to join the Advocacy Action Network to be informed on how to act and advocate on behalf of the fresh produce industry.
