The Washington Conference

Produce Advocacy Bootcamp Breakfast

Produce Advocacy Bootcamp

Whether you’re new to The Washington Conference and advocacy or you’re a seasoned advocate for fresh produce and floral, this experience is designed to give you an empowering foundation on the process and issues that you’ll need to advocate with confidence. You’ll also gain – through presentations and role-playing with the IFPA’s Government Relations team and experienced advocates from our industry – useful, actionable tips, tricks, and takeaways that you’ll be able to immediately use in your meetings on Capitol Hill and with any policymaker.  

Welcome: Rebeckah Adcock, VP, U.S. Government Relations 

Advocacy Tools for Washington Conference: Angela Bezon Tiwari, Director, Strategic Policy Engagement 

Bootcamp Coach: Marissa Dake, Chair, IFPA Grassroots Working Group and Vice President of Brand and People, DNO Produce  

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

International Fresh Produce Association is led by more than 1300 individuals currently serving in elected or appointed positions of leadership. These volunteer leaders represent our member companies throughout the entire produce supply chain from farm to table. Attendees are welcome to observe market segment and industry expert council meetings. Questions contact Miriam Wolk. 

Grower-Shipper Council  
Fresh-Cut Processor Council - 9:00am - 12:00pm
Wholesaler-Distributor Council - 9:00am - 11:00am
Foodservice Council  
Business Solution Provider Roundtable  
Food Safety Council  
Organics Committee  
Political Advisory Committee  
Supply Chain Council  
U.S. Government Relations Council  

Women’s Fresh Perspectives Networking Lunch

For the last 12 years, the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference has been an essential, cherished part of IFPA’s yearly in-person event lineup. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to experience that power – showing your support for the strength of our industry’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion. Come network with the best and brightest and set the stage for the next generation to advocate for and achieve IFPA’s goal to grow a healthier world for all.

Moderator

Rebeckah Adcock, VP, U.S. Government Relations

Speakers

Sandra B. Eskin, Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Alexandria Dapolito Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Croplife America 

Autumn Veazey Price, VP, Government and Public Affairs, UNFI

Issue Forums

2:00 – 3:00  Building a More Resilient Food System and Workforce

USDA invests in areas of critical importance to our industry annually.  These investments address immediate needs of rural business and economic development, supply chain infrastructure, and workforce development.  Together, they lay the groundwork for the future by enhancing supply chain diversity and resiliency through regional food center development and climate smart agriculture practices, which we will learn more about in our second session

Moderator 

Doug Bohr
Chief Education & Programs Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

3:15 – 4:45 Packaging & Sustainability at the Crossroads

In a combined issue update, panel discussion, and audience-engaging Q&A experience, join IFPA’s Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski and subject matter experts to discover where we are – around the world – when it comes to sustainable packaging. Working toward truly sustainable packaging for fresh produce and florals is everyone’s goal – but how do we get there while continuing to maintain essential standards for food safety and preventing food waste? Find out more about what’s new, what’s next, and how IFPA is working to lead and shape the debate on sustainable packaging and helping our members advocate for sustainable packaging with knowledge and confidence.

Moderator

Dr. Max Teplitski
Chief Science Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

Welcome to DC: Washington Conference Opening Reception 

Join old friends and make new connections as we kick off the 2024 Washington Conference and celebrate the start of Produce Week in Washington.    

Allied Association Roundtable Dinner

by Invitation Only

Leadership Alumni Event

Separate registration required

Produce Safety Immersion Program Alumni Event

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & General Session

7:45 – 9:00 AM State of the Fresh Nation Address, Cathy Burns

CEO, Cathy Burns’ State of the Fresh Nation sets the tone for the day of advocacy Coupled with the Opening Keynote and Policy Roundtable that follows, you’ll be inspired and energized, ready to learn and grow as advocates for the fresh produce and floral industry. Don’t miss it! 

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

8:30 - 11:30 - Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

9:00 – 9:30 AM IFPA 2024 Policy Priorities Roundtable

Take advantage of the wisdom and experience of IFPA’s Government Relations thought leaders and gain an empowering understanding of the issues that are essential to the fresh produce industry. You’ll take these insights with you to Capitol Hill for your meetings with legislators from the United States House and Senate – and back to your team to strengthen your organization’s voice for fresh. 

Moderator: Jenny Werwa, Principal, Strategic Communications, Invariant

Panelists:

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition & Health
International Fresh Produce Association

John Hollay
Director U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Sara Neagu-Reed
Director of Production & Environmental Policy
International Fresh Produce Association

9:30 - 10:00 - Congressional Meetings - Logistics & Schedule Distribution

Concurrent Education
Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: Focus on Priorities

Head to Capitol Hill with a greater understanding of our industry’s priorities, empowered to discuss them with confidence and a clear understanding of how our three key issue areas impact fresh produce and floral:  

Nutrition & Demand Creation - The importance of fresh produce in federal nutrition programs and policy.

Moderator: Mollie Van Lieu, VP, Nutrition and Health, IFPA

Panelists: 

Arlethia Brown, Senior Director, Camden NJ School Nutrition (FFVP)

Stephanie Johnson, Vice President, Government Relations, National Grocers Association (WIC rule)

Jacqlyn Schneider, Partner, FGS Global and former Deputy Staff Director, Senate Agriculture Committee (SNAP and general)

Lorren Walker, President & CEO, EliasWalker and former Chief of Staff, USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (Procurement)

Labor & Workforce - Hear perspectives from across the supply chain about how IFPA's Report on our labor crisis enables us to tell the story of why a predictable, reliable and affordable agricultural workforce is necessary for everyone in our industry.

Moderator: John Hollay, Director U.S. Government Relations, IFPA

Speakers:

Mike Laws, President, Laws Logistics

Stefanie Katzman, Executive Vice President, S. Katzman Produce

Farm Bill & Agriculture Policy - Understand how the largest investment in food and agriculture affects farm livelihoods, shapes how and what food is grown.

Moderators: 

Sara Neagu-Reed, Director, Production & Environmental Policy, IFPA

Rebeckah Adcock, Vice President U.S. Government Relations, IFPA

Advocate for Fresh Luncheon & Awards

Join the whole fresh supply chain in celebrating the fresh sector’s industry's Advocate of the Year and their influence in ensuring the Power of Fresh is felt all year long. We’ll also honor the 2024 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships recipients, Career Pathways Interns and IFPA's Produce Safety Immersion Program participants.    

Following, we will be joined by champions in the U.S House of Representatives to discuss their points of view on issues important to fresh produce and floral. 

Moderator: 

Rebeckah Adcock
VP, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill:
Congressional Meetings U.S. House of Representatives

You are the Power of Fresh! Join the largest grassroots effort in the fresh produce and floral industry as we advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill. This is your time make your voice heard in face-to-face meetings with your elected officials and their staff, helping politicians to understand and support the most important issues to your business – including labor, increasing consumption, and the farm bill – and share how actions taken in Washington directly affect you, your community, and the entire supply chain.  

 Congressional Asks: 

• Labor & Workforce Reforms – A strong workforce that meets our industry’s needs across the supply chain, focused on finding and retaining the talent we need to grow 
• Better Nutrition & Increased Consumption – Increased access and demand for healthy fresh produce  
• Modernizing Farm Bill & Agriculture Policy – Drive the largest investment in food and agriculture over the finish line 

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill

Rayburn Courtyard, Rayburn House Office Building  
Celebrate the wonderful bounty that fresh produce and floral provides for health, happiness and the economy! Connect with hundreds of DC influencers – key congressional and administration staff, allied partners, consumer advocates and fellow IFPA Washington Conference attendees @ The Joy of Fresh!   

IPFA’s Return on Influence: FreshPAC Reception & Dinner

Waterside Ballroom, Intercontinental Washington, D.C. - The Wharf

Leave your personal mark on DC. There's never been a more important time to influence politics and policy to drive fresh produce and floral industry success and growth. FreshPAC lets you be most active in the political process by supporting and helping to elect pro-produce candidates. Please reach out to Angela Tiwari atiwari@freshproduce.com if you are interested in receiving additional information about the FreshPAC.   

#PowerofFresh Breakfast with Specialty Crop Caucus

Meet the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus  
This year our champions in the U.S House of Representatives established the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus to better coordinate legislation and support for congressional action the strengthens our sector. The co-chairs of the caucus join this session to discuss their points of view on issues important to fresh produce and floral. 

Moderator: 

Rebeckah Adcock
VP, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus Co-Chairs: 

Jim Costa
Representative (CA-D)

David Rouzer 
Representative (NC-R) 

Elissa Slotkin
Representative (MI-D) 

David Valadao
Representative (CA-R) 

Focus on Food Safety with FDA

Keynote Address 

Dr. Donald A. Prater
Acting Director
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Agency Roundtable 

Sit down for an interactive roundtable where top FDA Human Food Program (HFP) officials and the fresh produce supply chain come together. Discuss industry and administration priorities and critical top of mind issues from the key areas within the new HFP. Showcase how industry and government can work together to enhance food safety – not just in times of crisis but 365 preventive strategies.  Come prepared to ask questions. 

Moderator: Natalie Dyenson, Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer 

Natalie Dyenson
Chief Food Safety & Regulatory Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

U.S. Food & Drug Administration Speakers:  

Dr. Donald A. Prater
Acting Director
Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Mark Moorman, Ph.D.
Director of the Office of Food Safety
U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Conrad Choiniere
Acting Deputy Center Director for Regulatory Affairs
Center for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition, FDA

Erik Mettler
Assistant Commissioner for Partnerships & Policy
Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA 

Doug Stearn
Acting Deputy Associate Commissioner
Office of Regulatory Affairs, FDA 

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

Power Up - Grab and go Lunch

Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: Congressional Meetings
U.S. Senate

It all comes down to this! Take what you’ve learned, what matters to you and your organization, and your commitment to advocating for our fresh industry and deliver it with passion to the U.S. Senate.