If I had to describe the event in one word, it would be “Active!” The event had Seminars, speakers and Networking opportunities... but the highlight for me was walking alongside industry titans as they made their voices heard.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Produce Colleagues marched on Capitol Hill to educate members of Congress on the key issues surrounding the industry: E-verify, Nutrition, Food Safety and the Farm Bill.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">It was inspiring to see the industry come together for a common cause. I had the chance to hear industry veterans such as Barry Bedwell, Rick Antle, David Krause, David Dever, Steve Scaroni and others fight for the Fresh Produce Industry: Ensuring an ag program for E-verify, maintaining funding to protect the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, applying a risked-based and science-based approach to the Food Safety Modernization Act, and keeping the momentum with the Farm Bill. Learning more about these complex issues from those who know them best is an opportunity I will never forget. <hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">It made me proud to be a part of the Fresh Produce Industry and watch a united effort. I quickly became aware of the value and why this event in particular has grown so rapidly.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
