International Fresh Produce Association Announces Secretary Vilsack to Headline Washington Conference; Cathy Burns and Rebeckah Adcock Comment


Wed. June 5th, 2024 - by Melissa De Leon Chavez

WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Washington Conference is taking place next week, and IFPA recently announced an update. United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will deliver remarks at the event with IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns during the State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast and morning General Session.

Cathy Burns, Chief Executive Officer, International Fresh Produce Association

“We look forward to welcoming Secretary Vilsack back to our Washington Conference next week and hearing his perspectives on the needs of a successful specialty crop industry,” Burns said. “Advocacy is not just about voicing our industry needs, but it’s also about establishing connections with the people that have the power to address those needs. Secretary Vilsack’s participation at The Washington Conference is a testament to just how important specialty crops are to our food system and nutrition security which we know is a matter of national security.”

Secretary Vilsack joins a powerful lineup of speakers from the industry, Congress, and the Administration. The event will provide not only the opportunity to hear from policymakers and experts, but most importantly, serves as the gathering point for hundreds of industry leaders.

United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will deliver remarks at the event with IFPA Chief Executive Officer Cathy Burns

In addition to education sessions which include speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, United Natural Foods, Inc., and more, the founding members of the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus are also featured.

Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President of U.S. Government Relations, International Fresh Produce Association

“Good policy doesn’t happen overnight, and it requires a constant drumbeat of support to gain traction and create change,” said IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations Rebeckah Adcock. “The Washington Conference is the moment for the industry to come together to share their voices and stories to Congress and the Administration. Taking time to share these personal stories is an investment in the fresh produce industry’s efforts to support policies that allow us to grow a healthier world. We look forward to seeing everyone there.”

The Joy of Fresh activation will welcome DC influencers, key congressional and administration staff, consumer advocates, industry leaders, and more. Attendees will celebrate the bounty that fresh produce and floral provides for health, happiness, and the economy.

To register, click here.

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