The United Fresh Produce Association's 2021 Washington Conference at a glance

The Packer’s Editor Tom Karst attended the 2021 Washington Conference, which was attended by nearly 300 industry leaders and featured more than 80 in-person visits with members of Congress and their staff. Top industry issues that drew focus in those meetings were infrastructure investments, immigration reform, and the inclusion of more fresh produce in nutrition programs.

Take a look at some of the photos from this year's event

News and updates from the conference floor

Sen. Stabenow urges industry activism on immigration reform and climate change — Specialty crop champion Senate Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow stressed the importance of industry engagement on immigration and climate change legislation in a Sept. 22 address to the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Conference.

Grower-Shipper Association of Central California wins United Fresh advocacy award —  The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California has been honored as the 2021 United Fresh Produce Association’s Produce Advocate of the Year. Tom Stenzel, president and CEO of United Fresh, presented the award to Christopher Valadez, president of the Grower-Shipper Association, during the Sept. 21 luncheon general session of the United Fresh Washington Conference.

DeLauro announces bill to increase USDA fresh produce purchases — Revealing the breaking news to the United Fresh Produce Association Washington Conference by video message on Sept. 21, House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said she has introduced the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act.