The International Fresh Produce Association’s June 10-12 Washington Conference will again seek to influence the policies and perceptions of produce and floral on Capitol Hill.
“The Washington Conference’s move to June in an election year creates the perfect opportunity for timely events, speakers and opportunities, and that is exactly why industry leaders should be in the nation’s capital during produce week next month,” Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA’s vice president of U.S. government relations, said in a news release. “We are so honored to have influential leaders from the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus, FDA, USDA and our allies set the stage for this year’s event. Attendees will make the case for why policymakers must address the industry’s needs and share their stories with elected leaders making the crucial decisions shaping the food economy.”
Over two days, attendees take the "#PowerofFresh” to the House of Representatives and Senate to share IFPA policy priorities and the impact of fresh produce and floral on jobs, economic growth and consumer demand for healthy food, the release said, with attendees set to advocate for three specific issues:
- Nutrition and demand creation — The importance of fresh produce in federal nutrition programs and policy.
- Labor and workforce — Demand a predictable, reliable, and affordable agricultural workforce.
- Farm bill and agriculture policy — Support specialty crops in the largest investment in food and agriculture.
This year, champions in the House established the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus to better coordinate legislation and support for congressional action that strengthens the sector, the release said.
Caucus co-chairs will kick off June 12 happenings as they discuss their points of view on issues important to fresh produce and floral. Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus speakers will include:
- Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif.
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich.
- Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C.
- Rep. David Valadao, R-Calif.
Additions to this year’s June 10 schedule include:
- “Women’s Fresh Perspectives” networking lunch.
- “Building a More Resilient Food System and Workforce” forum.
- “Packaging and Sustainability at the Crossroads” forum.
The June 12 agenda includes:
- Keynote speaker Donald A. Prater, acting director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
- Mark Moorman, director of Office of Food Safety for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
- Conrad Choiniere, acting deputy center director for regulatory affairs for the FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition.
- Erik Mettler, assistant commissioner for partnerships and policy for the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs.
- Doug Stearn, acting deputy associate commissioner for the FDA’s Office of Regulatory Affairs.
More information and registration details are available on IFPA’s website.
