WASHINGTON, DC - Earlier this week, key industry members gathered in Washington, DC, for the Washington Conference hosted by the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). Pivotal public policy priorities were on the table as attendees enlightened lawmakers and regulators about the industry's most significant opportunities and challenges.

“IFPA and its members show up in Washington, DC, each year to stand up for fresh. It is critical to take our message directly to Congress, to act on legislation that impacts the U.S. fresh produce supply chain, especially to address our labor crisis,” said Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA’s Vice President U.S. Government Relations.

Top takeaways from the public policy priorities include:

• Farm Bill and Agriculture Policy: The panel voiced consensus that they are working to pass a bi-partisan Farm Bill this year and not extend the timeline any further
• Labor and Workforce: The panel discussed the IFPA labor crisis report and how each sector on the panel will bring the results of this critical report to their Members of Congress
• Nutrition and Demand Creation: The panel discussed ways to support increased consumption of fruit and vegetables across life stages through policy intervention

The event also included powerful keynote speakers, vibrant celebrations showcasing the best of fresh produce and floral, the Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill Congressional Meetings, and much more:

• Congressional Meetings: Attendees met with representatives from 199 offices, spanning 33 states
• Joy of Fresh: The event welcomed DC influencers, key congressional and administration staff, consumer advocates, industry leaders, and more on June 11
• Dynamic Speaker Lineup: On June 11, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack headlined the State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast and the morning General Session; the founding members of the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus addressed attendees on June 12; and the Focus on Food Safety with FDA interactive roundtable brought together top FDA Human Food Program (HFP) officials with the fresh produce supply chain

We applaud all of the attendees who continue to advocate for our industry on a daily basis.