WASHINGTON, DC - It’s all about industry advocacy as the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is on Capitol Hill for its annual Washington Conference. As the event has already gotten underway, the association is detailing the exciting first day of the conference and what other opportunities are in store for attendees.

On Wednesday, the event began with a Kickoff Luncheon and State of the Fresh Nation General Session, a release explained. IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns shared welcome remarks, and a briefing was given by senior Biden-Harris Administration officials about the President’s priorities and what to expect on the regulatory horizon. A panel of DC journalists also discussed what to expect from Congress for the remainder of 2023.

Later in the day, industry members convened for the Focus on Fresh General Session with Mike Taylor and Representatives Don Davis and Rick Crawford. Other sessions throughout the day included Driving Food Safety Modernization, Taking on our Workforce Challenges: The Latest from Congress, Expand Healthy Nutrition and Grow Produce Consumption, and Build a Better Farm Bill for Fresh...before it expires this month! The day ended with The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill, giving attendees the chance to celebrate the industry.

Today, IFPA welcomed Senator Debbie Stabenow, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, as well as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, Representative G.T. Thompson, at its breakfast keynote. Charlie Cook, Founder of the Cook Political Report and Political Analyst for National Journal, will also speak following with an election outlook.

IFPA will be announcing its IFPA Advocate of the Year today as well, so stay tuned!

For more event recaps, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

International Fresh Produce Association