May 21, 2024

IFPA previews Washington conference

The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is gearing up for its annual Washington Conference, set to take place in the first week of June.

The event promises to be focused on advocacy, networking and industry insights. Registration is still open for those wishing to join the produce DC Fly-In.

This year, the Congressional Specialty Crop Caucus, co-chaired by Representatives David Valadao (CA-R), David Rouzer (NC-R), Jim Costa (CA-D), and Elissa Slotkin (MI-D), will be among the featured speakers. These champions of the produce industry will discuss key issues impacting the sector, according to a news release.

A major highlight of the conference will be the focus on food safety. Donald Prater, FDA’s acting director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, is scheduled to deliver remarks.

Following Prater’s presentation, IFPA’s Natalie Dyenson will moderate an interactive FDA agency roundtable featuring five top officials from the FDA Human Food Program. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions about collaboration between industry and government to enhance food safety.

The conference will also celebrate the #PowerofFresh, emphasizing the importance of fresh produce in policy discussions. Attendees can look forward to recognizing the Advocate of the Year, Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarship Recipients, Career Pathways interns, and participants in the IFPA Produce Safety Immersion Program.

Additional events include luncheons and receptions for the Women’s Fresh Perspectives community, the Joy of Fresh Reception at the Rayburn Courtyard, and the FreshPAC reception and dinner on the Wharf.

With recent legislative successes, such as the full funding of the Fruit and Vegetable benefit with WIC, the IFPA aims to address critical issues including the labor crisis.

For more information, visit the Washington Conference page on IFPA’s website.