WASHINGTON, DC - We are weeks away from the event that brings industry voices to decision makers on Capitol Hill, and with everything from trade questions and potential tariffs to the 2020 political craze sure to ensue, it’s bound to be a key time to attend.

In the new Produce Industry Engagement Beyond Capitol Hill outing on September 18, the United Fresh Association said that Washington Conference attendees will be immersed in policy issues with key regulatory offices throughout Washington, DC.

“These visits are a great complement to our Congressional meetings on Capitol Hill,” Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther commented. “We’re thrilled to further engage our attendees with government officials and stakeholders who are shaping both the legislative and business climate.”

The event requires a United Fresh Washington Conference registration, which is available at no additional cost. According to a press release, attendees can choose from one of four limited-availability opportunities:

• Attendees have the opportunity to meet with White House and Administration officials for a top-level briefing on national policy and agricultural issues at the Old Executive Office Building in the White House complex.
• FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas and other top FDA officials will visit with attendees at the Grand Hyatt, the Washington Conference headquarters hotel, for a session focused on how industry and government can work together to enhance food safety.
• At the Embassy of Peru, bilateral trade and agriculture will be at the center of the discussion, as attendees explore ways the U.S. and Peru can work together to serve consumers and the industry alike.
• Attendees can hear from leading federal research officials, including the Agricultural Research Service and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, on how the government and private sector are driving innovation that can enhance the fresh produce industry.

The above options will take place from 10 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, September 18.

Additionally, the association announced that Krysta Harden, Executive VP Global Environmental Strategy for Dairy Management and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, will kick off its Venture Beyond the Produce Aisle session Monday afternoon.

“We’re honored to have Krysta join us as she sets the stage for this innovative afternoon,” said President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “I’m really looking forward to talking with all of these allied food industry leaders, and I’m confident our members will gain new insights from exploring how other foods sectors are tackling challenges in their business.”

Harden brings her unique perspective, transitioning from inside the USDA to the private sector, which is ideal for this session that is described as bringing “food industry leaders from allied industries” to share experiences in dealing with challenging legislative and regulatory issues.

Harden’s luncheon presentation will be followed by food association CEOs, government affairs specialists, and leaders of the recent food and agricultural lobbying coalition, which successfully passed GMO labeling legislation in 2017.

Finally, a panel of produce industry leaders will then share their perspectives on lessons learned from “beyond the produce aisle.”

Hundreds of members and leaders from our industry will soon meet for the United Fresh Washington Conference, September 16-18. For more information and to register, click here.

United Fresh