The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has released its 2026 U.S. Public Policy Agenda, a six-pillar framework covering workforce, nutrition access, producer economics, trade, supply chain infrastructure and food safety – all at a moment of heightened legislative and regulatory activity in Washington.
IFPA CEO Cathy Burns framed the agenda as a direct translation of member priorities into policy action.
“Every one of these priorities is grounded in what our members tell us they need to grow, compete, and continue feeding families across America and around the world. This is our Fight for Fresh. I am committed to IFPA being the most effective advocate for the fresh produce and floral industry with policymakers and regulators in D.C., the Administration, and wherever decisions are being made that affect our members’ livelihoods,” Burns said.
The Six Pillars
- Workforce Stability centers on modernizing agricultural worker programs, defending regulatory reforms and improving H-2A and H-2B visa access for the specialty crop sector — addressing one of the industry’s most persistent operational constraints.
- Nutrition and Health focuses on protecting and expanding fruit and vegetable access in WIC, SNAP and school meal programs, advancing produce prescriptions in government health systems and making fruits and vegetables eligible for purchase through HSAs and FSAs.
- Producer Profitability encompasses Farm Bill reauthorization, improved risk management tools and increased research investment in biologicals, precision agriculture and mechanization.
- Trade calls for science-based trade policies and tariff exemptions for fresh, perishable products to protect year-round consumer access to affordable fruits, vegetables and florals.
- Supply Chain Resilience addresses unworkable packaging bans, Extended Producer Responsibility requirements and IFPA’s Supply Chain of the Future initiative.
- Food Safety Modernization seeks to strengthen FDA’s Human Foods Program, sustain the federal traceability rule and secure funding for state produce safety programs.
From agenda to action
Alexis Taylor, chief global policy officer at IFPA, said the Washington Conference in June is the primary venue where the agenda moves from framework to direct lawmaker engagement.
“When our members come to D.C., they bring with them the real-world impact of these issues, from labor shortages in the field to trade disruptions at the border. That direct engagement with lawmakers is what turns priorities into policy, and this agenda channels the momentum our members have built into sustained policy impact,” Taylor said.
IFPA will host a member webinar from noon-12:45 p.m. ET on April 16 to brief stakeholders on the 2026 policy agenda. Registration is available at freshproduce.com/advocacy/2026-policy-priorities-webinar.
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