The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is set to host The Washington Conference on June 9-11, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and advocates to champion and safeguard the future of fresh produce. This event unites attendees from the fresh produce and floral industries to engage with policymakers on key issues that impact the sector.
Attendees will participate in face-to-face meetings with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to discuss pressing topics such as H-2A reform, the U.S. Farm Bill and food safety funding. The Washington Conference is organized to equip fresh produce and floral leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate for the issues impacting their businesses and the industry at large.
The Washington Conference 2025 Schedule Highlights
Industry Priorities
- Opening General Session: IFPA’s 2025 Policy Priorities – Your Voice. Your Impact: Hear from Adam Tarr, principal of Invariant, and Joe Bischoff, principal of Cornerstone Government Affairs, as they overview the pressing policy issues shaping produce and floral. Designed to prepare attendees to represent the industry with a unified voice, there also will be an expert panel led by Rebeckah Adcock, VP of U.S. government relations at IFPA.
- State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast and Address: This session is led by IFPA CEO Cathy Burns and will equip attendees with a clear view of the trends, challenges and policy priorities shaping the industry today.
Legislative and Regulatory Engagements
- Concurrent Education Sessions: Designed to prepare attendees for effective congressional meetings, these sessions are led by subject matter experts and industry leaders on topics such as the H-2A visa program and the U.S. Farm Bill.
- Keynote Address: Presented by Kyle Diamantas, acting deputy commissioner for human foods at the FDA, this session will offer insights into the evolving regulatory landscape and the future of food safety and policy.
- Focus on Food Safety and Health Roundtable: Engage in an interactive roundtable where top FDA officials and the fresh produce supply chain come together to discuss industry and administration priorities.
Advocacy and Community
- The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill: Connect with hundreds of leaders, congressional and administration staff, advocates and more.
- Women’s Fresh Perspectives Advocacy Breakfast: Celebrate women leadership and hear from Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN), ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee, who is a key player on food and farming issues on Capitol Hill.
These education sessions and networking opportunities prepare attendees to advocate for fresh on Capitol Hill, with the U.S. House of Representatives meetings on June 10 and U.S. Senate meetings on June 11.
“Our members’ voices are instrumental in shaping policies that affect every facet of the fresh produce and floral industries,” said Rebeckah Adcock, VP of U.S. government relations at IFPA. “This conference empowers them to advocate effectively and drive meaningful change.”
The Washington Conference is IFPA’s event for fresh produce and floral leaders committed to making their voices heard on Capitol Hill. Industry members interested in participating in the conference can view the full schedule here.
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