<p>Despite the government shutdown on October 1, the United Fresh Festival at the annual Washington Public Policy Conference still had a record number of attendees present at the march to discuss fresh produce and spread the message about what needs to be done about various issues surrounding the industry today.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Although senators are becoming harder to meet, congressmen are still meeting to discuss immigration reform, the farm bill, and the Food Safety Modernization Act with United Fresh Festival attendees during the annual WPPC. Indeed, although there has been a government shutdown, sources tell AndNowUKnow that business continues as usual. There are still office visits and discussions on important topics in the produce industry. And now, WPPC members are more fired than ever to speak their message about what needs to be done to have these issues recognized in Congress.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> “The reality of the situation is that it was a very productive conference and the immigration reform, farm bill, and Food Safety Modernization Act are still top of the line,” said Barry Bedwell, President and CEO of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League and Chairman of the United Fresh Government Relations. “There was no difference in topics. The issues haven’t disappeared and they'll still be there tomorrow."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> The common theme behind these discussions appears to be optimistic. Members of the WPPC suggest that the industry can get by this and a satisfying conclusion can be reached overall. Nevertheless, the general message is that the industry must continue to be proactive in order to get our voices heard.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow further developments on the effect the government shutdown might have on the fresh produce industry.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
