WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is gearing up for the 2024 Washington Conference, taking place this year from June 10 through June 12.
“The Washington Conference’s move to June in an election year creates the perfect opportunity for timely events, speakers, and opportunities, and that is exactly why industry leaders should be in the nation’s capital during produce week next month,” said Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA’s Vice President, U.S. Government Relations. “We are so honored to have influential leaders from the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus, FDA, USDA and our allies set the stage for this year’s event. Attendees will make the case for why policymakers must address the industry’s needs and share their stories with elected leaders making the crucial decisions shaping the food economy.”
The conference serves as an opportunity to bring our industry together, featuring powerful keynote speakers and vibrant celebrations showcasing the best of fresh produce and floral, along with the impactful Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill Congressional Meetings.
This year, champions in the U.S House of Representatives established the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus to better coordinate legislation and support for congressional action that strengthens the sector, a press release explained; the co-chairs of the caucus kick off Wednesday, June 12, discussing their points of view on issues important to fresh produce and floral.
Afterward, keynote speaker Dr. Donald A. Prater, Acting Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food & Drug Administration, will join an interactive roundtable with top FDA Human Food Program (HFP) officials and the fresh produce supply chain to discuss industry and administration priorities and top of mind issues within the new HFP.
During the two-day event, attendees will also take the #PowerofFresh to the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to share IFPA policy priorities and the impact of fresh produce and floral on jobs, economic growth, and consumer demand for healthy food, the release explained. There, attendees will advocate for three specific issues:
- Nutrition and Demand Creation
- Labor and Workforce
- Farm Bill and Agriculture Policy - Support specialty crops in the largest investment in food and agriculture
This year’s conference also includes a few fresh additions to the June 10 schedule, such as:
- Women’s Fresh Perspectives Networking Lunch
- Building a More Resilient Food System and Workforce Forum
- Packaging and Sustainability at the Crossroads Forum
For more details on the upcoming conference, click here.
And for more event coverage, stay on the pages of ANUK.
