Keynote Speaker Senior White House Adviser Cedric Richmond Shares Insights at United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Conference; Robert Guenther Comments
WASHINGTON, DC - The United Fresh Produce Association recently held its highly anticipated Washington Conference from September 20–22. During Tuesday’s Luncheon General Session on September 21, Senior Adviser to President Biden and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement Cedric Richmond led a keynote speech addressing some of the most pertinent ag issues of the day.
Representative Richmond is a former five-term U.S. congressman from Louisiana, a press release stated. After co-chairing President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, he was named the President’s Senior Adviser and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, roles that build on his deep relationships in Congress, with key political constituencies and with President Biden.
Recently, President Biden selected Representative Richmond to lead Hurricane Ida recovery efforts, which many in the fresh produce industry have felt the impacts of.
While in Congress, Representative Richmond served on several powerful committees including the House Ways and Means, Homeland Security, and Judiciary committees. He has served in key leadership posts as the Democratic Assistant to the Majority Whip and as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. His distinguished expertise at the congressional level is indispensable to navigating the key challenges fresh produce operators face.
“It truly is an honor to have such a high-ranking member of the Biden Administration address the fresh produce industry,” said Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, United Fresh. “Mr. Richmond has an extensive history working across the aisle to enact meaningful change during his decade in Congress.”
The Washington Conference included face-to-face Congressional meetings meant to advocate for the most critical issues impacting the fresh produce supply chain, including labor, food safety, nutrition policy, infrastructure, and more. The event also featured a Produce Advocacy Bootcamp for attendees new to communicating with Congress, including workshops detailing the public policy issues facing the industry, general sessions with top national leaders, and networking events throughout.
AndNowUKnow is thankful for the industry advocates who have made these pressing fresh produce conversations happen in Washington.
