As policymakers and industry leaders prepare to gather for The Washington Conference on June 9-11, 2025, in Washington D.C., the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is setting the stage for policy discussions impacting the fresh produce and floral industries.
"As the fresh produce industry faces evolving challenges, from trade barriers to food safety regulations and nutrition policy, we are committed to advocating for fair, effective, and science-based solutions," said Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA's VP of government relations. "By working with policymakers, we can ensure that fresh produce remains a critical component of public health and economic prosperity. The Washington Conference provides a unique opportunity to directly engage with policymakers shaping the future of agriculture."
- Workforce & Labor: Addressing Critical Labor Shortages: A stable workforce is essential to the fresh produce supply chain. IFPA is helping lead efforts to reform agricultural labor policies to ensure growers have access to the workforce they need while maintaining fair and reasonable labor standards. Key priorities include H-2A visa improvements, expanded H-2B visas for year-round workers, and the creation of an Agricultural Industry Liaison within the Department of Labor to ensure fair, practical labor policies that support both growers and workers.
- Nutrition & Public Health: Expanding Access to Fresh Produce: With diet-related diseases on the rise and the U.S. Center for Disease and Control reporting that only 1 in 10 Americans meet daily produce consumption recommendations, the organization is pushing for stronger federal nutrition policies. Efforts include protecting funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, expanding the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, and supporting Produce Prescription programs that integrate fresh produce into Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans Affairs healthcare initiatives.
- Modernizing the Farm Bill: Strengthening Agriculture for the Future: As Congress works toward reauthorizing the Farm Bill, IFPA is advocating for policies that reflect the fresh produce industry's critical role in the economy and public health, including increased funding for precision agriculture and automation, improved crop insurance for specialty growers, and expanded USDA procurement programs to ensure fresh produce reaches food banks and nutrition initiatives.
- Trade & Supply Chain Resilience: Ensuring Fair and Open Markets: As global trade policies shift, the organization is committed to ensuring fair trade practices that protect U.S. growers and consumers. IFPA is fighting for science-based trade policies, the removal of non-tariff barriers, and the prioritization of fresh produce in port operations during supply chain disruptions.
- Food Safety: A Science-Based Approach: IFPA is calling for a more prevention-based, risk-focused approach to food safety that balances consumer protection with industry realities. The organization is advocating for increased transparency and efficiency within the FDA's Human Foods Program and more robust funding for state-level food safety inspections under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Click here to register for The Washington Conference.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/