WASHINGTON, DC - If the global political climate, existing and potential tariffs, and an idea of what 2020 holds weren’t enough motivation to attend 2019’s Washington Conference, United Fresh just threw another log on the proverbial fire. The association revealed that the industry will get to hear directly from Sonny Perdue as the U.S.’ Secretary of Agriculture appears as a keynote speaker.
“United Fresh is thrilled to further build our relationship with Secretary Perdue as he headlines our advocacy conference this September,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “His experience working within the Administration and with Congress positions Secretary Perdue to deliver unique insights to our attendees and to the fresh produce industry overall.”
Perdue will keynote the conference’s General Session Breakfast, Wednesday morning, September 18, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Washington, DC’s Grand Hyatt. According to a press release, he will address the key issues facing the produce industry, from immigration reform and the need for a stable, legal workforce, to expanding fresh produce access for all Americans.
Attending the General Session Breakfast requires a United Fresh Washington Conference registration. If you have not yet registered for United Fresh Washington Conference, which takes place September 16-18, click here to start making your plans to attend.
In addition to this big news, other new events are being introduced at this year’s conference to help prepare attendees for successful meetings on Capitol Hill.
Perdue became the 31st United States Secretary of Agriculture on April 25, 2017, bringing a versatile background that included having been:
- a former farmer
- an agribusinessman
- a veterinarian
- a state legislator
- Governor of Georgia
Perdue recognizes that agriculture is an issue and industry which cuts across political party boundaries, having grown up in Georgia where agriculture is the leading economic driver. According to United Fresh, he recognizes that the size, scope, and diversity of America’s agricultural sector requires reaching across the aisle so that “partisanship doesn’t get in the way of good solutions for American farmers, ranchers, and consumers.”
This year is shaping up to be a cannot-miss conference, so get in on those last-minute travel savings and hear for yourself what one of America’s leaders in present-day ag has to share.
