WASHINGTON, DC - While the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) Washington Conference provided an opportunity for Congressional visits and policy discussions with lawmakers and regulatory leaders, the event also placed some well-deserved recognition among two key industry advocates. Among those honored was produce provider Grimmway Farms.
“Receiving the Advocate of the Year Award is a great honor for Grimmway Farms. We are committed to our mission of bringing fresh, safe, and healthy produce to communities around the world and in doing so, will continue to advocate for the needs of the entire produce industry, an industry that plays an increasingly vital role in feeding the world,” said Jeff Huckaby, Grimmway President and Chief Executive Officer.
Grimmway Vice President of External Affairs and Corporate Responsibility Dana Brennan accepted the award on Grimmway’s behalf. Brennan also serves on the IFPA Government Relations Council, a press release explained.
“The Produce Industry Advocate of the Year award goes to an IFPA member that goes the extra mile to elevate and support the industry in public policy advocacy. The Advocate of the Year makes a company-wide commitment to engaging with elected officials and government policymakers actively and often,” said IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations Rebeckah Adcock.
Grimmway was honored for its ongoing advocacy and leadership in the fresh produce space.
“Grimmway is a steadfast champion of our work on everything from pushing for labor reforms to supporting federal nutrition policy. They consistently answer the call to amplify our advocacy efforts across their organization, with CEO Jeff Huckaby being a Past Grower Shipper Council Chair and Russ Hamlin, PhD. currently leading our Organics Committee,” Adcock continued.
In addition to Grimmway’s recognition, IFPA also spotlighted Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) with the inaugural IFPA Fresh Impact Lifetime Achievement Award.
“As Chair of the Senate Ag Committee, Senator Stabenow has been one of our most consistent Congressional champions on agricultural issues ranging from the Farm Bill, nutrition, crop insurance inclusion and expansion, and specialty crop research,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “She is responsible for establishing the Specialty Crop Title in the 2008 Farm Bill, and as partisan and challenging as this legislation can be, she has been integral in ensuring that specialty crop priorities are elevated and included in federal programs. Consider this: Because of Senator Stabenow, high school seniors graduating in 2024 have always known school meals that include a fruit and vegetable. Talk about impact!”
Congratulations to both of these leaders on this recent recognition!
