Why should I host a congressional tour?

Facility tours allow elected officials to see the direct, real-world impact of federal legislation on local agriculture and the fresh produce supply chain.

Who should watch this webinar?

Fresh produce industry professionals, IFPA members, and business leaders looking to elevate their advocacy efforts and connect directly with policymakers.

Watch: How to Host a Congressional Tour | IFPA Fresh Insights Webinar

Watch the full recording of this Fresh Insights policy briefing on demand. This session equips fresh produce industry members with the tools and strategies needed to successfully host U.S. elected officials for in-district facility tours.

About the Webinar

In a rapidly changing federal policy landscape, having a powerful advocate in your corner is essential. Hosting a facility tour is one of the most impactful ways to connect with your elected officials and demonstrate the real-world impact of federal policy on your business.

In this Fresh Insights webinar, the IFPA Government Relations team walked through how to plan, execute, and follow up on a successful Congressional tour using IFPA's proven advocacy toolkit.

Key Takeaways: Why This Matters to You

Your voice carries more weight when lawmakers see your business firsthand. Congressional tours give elected officials a real-world understanding of how their policy decisions affect your operation, employees, and community.
Facility tours are one of the most effective advocacy tools available. They help transform complex policy issues into tangible examples lawmakers can see and understand.
Strong relationships lead to stronger industry influence. Hosting a tour can open the door to ongoing engagement with members of Congress and their staff, positioning you and your company as a trusted resource on issues impacting fresh produce and floral.
You don't have to be a policy expert to get involved. With IFPA's advocacy toolkit and support from the Government Relations team, members can successfully invite, prepare for, host, and follow up on congressional visits.
Advocacy starts at home. Bringing policymakers to your facility is a powerful way to ensure the fresh produce and floral industry's story is heard where decisions are being made.

What This Webinar Covers

Strategic Engagement: How to invite and engage Members of Congress and their staff during in-district work periods.
Effective Showcasing: How to present your fresh produce operation while explicitly highlighting key policy priorities.
Relationship Building: How to cultivate long-term political relationships that bring the "Power of Fresh" directly to policymakers.

Session Details

Originally Aired: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Format: On-Demand Webinar
Host: IFPA Government Relations Team
Speakers:
- Marissa Dake, Sales Director, Creekside Organics and Chair of IFPA's Fresh Ambassador Network
- Jack Baran, Chief of Staff, Ole Tyme Produce and Member of IFPA's Fresh Ambassador Network

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why should I host a congressional tour? Facility tours allow elected officials to see the direct, real-world impact of federal legislation on local agriculture and the fresh produce supply chain.
Who should watch this webinar? Fresh produce industry professionals, IFPA members, and business leaders looking to elevate their advocacy efforts and connect directly with policymakers.

Thank you to our webinar sponsor:

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Fresh Insights Policy Webinar: How to Host a Congressional Tour

About the Webinar

Key Takeaways: Why This Matters to You

What This Webinar Covers

Session Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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