TUBAC, AZ - As a vital forum for government officials and industry professionals to discuss issues impacting the trade, the 2024 Spring Policy Summit is sure to spur industry advancement. Hosted by the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA), this year's event will highlight a keynote address by Andrew I. Rudman, an expert on the United States-Mexico relationship.

“Andrew will offer an in-depth analysis of the economic ties between the U.S. and Mexico, with a particular focus on the implications for the produce industry,” FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer states. “His address comes at a critical time in this trade relationship, and we look forward to hearing his take on where we are and where we might be going as trading partners.”

Rudman's extensive background in international trade and policy positions him with a unique perspective on the subject, a press release noted. His experience includes serving as the Director of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute. From 2001–2006, Rudman was with the Department of Commerce, where he was Director of the Office of NAFTA and Inter-American Affairs.

During the keynote, Rudman will dive into the complex dynamics of U.S.-Mexico trade. With the uncertainty of presidential elections in both countries, heightened politicization of the border, and USMCA renegotiations on the horizon, Rudman’s insights will bring some understanding of what the months ahead might bring.

The keynote address will set the stage for more in-depth discussions on strategies to reduce impacts of port disruptions; food safety initiatives in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada; USDA APHIS oversight of phytosanitary programs; and the state of tomato trade. The summit's agenda is curated to cover the critical issues facing the industry today so industry and government officials can come together to talk about strategies for improvement.

The FPAA encourages all members of the imported fresh produce industry to attend the Spring Policy Summit. Registration details can be found here.

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