WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh is proud to announce an outstanding slate of expert speakers at this year’s Washington Public Policy Conference to describe the economic and political environment the produce industry needs to succeed.
On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Kathleen Merrigan will discuss the stalemate of the 2012 Farm Bill and how the programs that are set to expire will directly impact the fruit and vegetable industry. Merrigan will also address issues and opportunities affecting the industry and share personal perspectives on working with the government to reach the next milestones in building a stronger fresh produce industry.
Wednesday morning, the final day of the conference, industry leaders will gather for an informative session as Dr. Martin A. Regalia, Chief Economist of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, remarks on the Real Economic Outlook for America. Dr. Regalia, a highly sought after economic expert, will give an in-depth outlook on the future of businesses in light of national issues and factors influenced by the global economy.
The leaders of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance will bring the importance of the political economy to center stage. The panel will address how forging coalitions will drive fruit and vegetable policy success, based on lessons learned from steering the Alliance through the two most recent Farm Bills. Speakers include: Barry Bedwell, President & CEO, California Grape & Tree Fruit League, Chairman, United Fresh Government Relations Council; John Keeling, Executive Vice President & CEO, National Potato Council, Co-Chair, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance; Dennis Nuxoll, Vice President, Federal Government Affairs, Western Growers, On behalf of Co-Chair Tom Nassif; and Mike Stuart, President, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Co-Chair, Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance.
To lend further political insight, Representative Sam Farr (D-CA) will join United Fresh members for a town hall discussion. As a longtime friend of the fresh produce industry serving Monterey County and the Salinas Valley in California, Rep. Farr will share his candid views of what the future may hold for produce issues in a highly divided Congress, from a new Farm Bill to immigration policy to food safety and nutrition.
The Washington Public Policy Conference is the produce industry’s most powerful public policy event, bringing together more than 500 industry leaders for face-to-face meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, October 1-3, 2012. For more information, please visit www.unitedfresh.org.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association