WASHINGTON, DC & NEWARK, DE - To stay connected and informed within the industry, International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Rebeckah Adcock and John Hollay traveled to Texas the first week of March to bring IFPA’s advocacy priorities to industry members, partners, and policy makers.

Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President of Government Relations, participated in a variety of events and field tours. She also served on a panel alongside Representative Michelle Fischbach (MN-7); Kaitlynn Glover of Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural resources; and Margaret Byfield of American Stewards. The panel covered the upcoming Farm Bill negotiations.

“The Farm Bill is the single greatest investment in the specialty crop industry and funds many of the programs our industry relies upon to stay competitive and drive consumption of fruits and vegetables,” said Adcock. “Every five years Congress takes up a new Farm Bill and we have worked hard to develop our priorities to bring to Congress both through our work with our membership and with our allies in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. These policies will set the course for the future of our industry, so it is vital that we ensure Congress understands the importance of the wide range of challenges and opportunities before us. It is that central to the U.S. produce industry. I was happy to be invited to participate in such an important conversation between industry stakeholders and our Representatives in Congress.”

IFPA’s Director of Government Relations, John Hollay, traveled through Texas to meet with members and industry partners and toured member facilities such as Little Bear Farms, Wonderful Citrus, Fox Packaging, and more. He also joined Texas International Produce Association President and Chief Executive Officer, Dante Galeazzi, for a tour of IFPA member Pharr International Bridge’s facility.

“We spend most days up on Capitol Hill advocating for IFPA’s priorities, but nothing prepares you more for the job than seeing the work our members do in person,” said Hollay. “I appreciate the time spent with our members this past week learning more about their priorities and ways our association can support them. It’s a privilege to be able to engage with industry leaders who are so committed to lending their voice to our advocacy efforts.”

For future events, IFPA has outlined a few opportunities. In April, the association will host industry volunteers from a number of committees and councils in Washington, DC, at the Spring Policy and Regulatory Forum. Later in September, IFPA will invite all interested industry members to DC to participate in The Washington Conference.

These events give industry members a chance to meet face-to-face with those making the decisions on Capitol Hill.

We’ll continue to keep you in the loop on all industry news, so stay tuned!

International Fresh Produce Association