WASHINGTON, DC - Trade associations help influence much of the changes that take place in our industry. Exemplifying this, International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns recently reinforced the association’s position as a leader in agricultural policy and sustainability at the Agri-Pulse 2024 Ag & Food Policy Summit.

“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. 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,” said Burns. “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.”

Burns joined fellow industry leaders for a discussion around the 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,” said Burns. “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’s advocacy for climate-smart agricultural practices includes leveraging a $15 million USDA grant program and the Fresh Fields Catalyst technology accelerator program.

“Through these efforts, we are also getting much-needed data that will contribute to scaling solutions across industries, and we are ready to collaborate,” said Burns. “Collaboration is the new currency, it’s the only way we are going to make an impact across the agriculture sector.”

According to a press release, Burns highlighted IFPA's active role in influencing agricultural policy, pointing to the association's engagement in global climate discussions.

More insights from the event can be found here.

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