Schedule

Back to Onsite Attendee Information

Monday, June 8, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 5:30 P.M.

Washington Conference Registration Open

8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.

Volunteer Leadership Meetings (by invitation only)

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: U.S. Nutrition & Health Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: U.S. Workforce & Business Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: USMCA Policy Working Group
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Organics Committee
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Food Safety Council
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Joint Meeting of the U.S. Policy Committee, U.S. Fresh Ambassador Network, FreshPAC Board of Directors, U.S. Grassroots & Engagement Committee

4:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

FreshPAC Board of Directors (by invitation only)

1:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Featured Session: Shaping Tomorrow's Table Through Nutrition and Food Safety

Room Location: Independence A, Independence Level (5B)

Dive into a high-impact, two-part education session bringing together regulatory leaders and forward-thinking industry experts to tackle national nutrition priorities and the future of food safety. Attendees will gain practical insights and a platform for meaningful discussion on pivotal issues facing our industry.

Come ready to ask questions, share perspectives, and help shape the future of nutrition and food safety. Join us and be part of the movement to advance America's health!

Human Foods Program: Nutrition and Food Safety Fireside Chat

1:35 PM – 1:50 PM

The session kicks off with FDA sharing more about their department structure, vision for food safety and nutrition and key 2026 priorities.

Dr. Steven Musser

Front of Pack Labeling: Empowering Consumers and Improving the Food Environment

1:50 PM – 2:25 PM

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

Panelists:

Sarah Sorscher, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Center for Science in the Public Interest
Tim Marcroft, Senior Manager, Business Development & Government Affairs, Taylor Farms Retail
Veronica Colas, Partner, Food & Beverage Regulatory Practice Group, Hogan Lovells
Sean Cash, Ph.D, Economist, Chair Ag, Food and Environment, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University

To better empower consumers to quickly understand the nutrition value of foods and beverage sold at retail, FDA has proposed a Front of Pack Labeling scheme. Learn more about what to expect from FDA and how this may impact consumer purchasing behavior.

Ultra-Processed Foods – What’s in a Definition?

2:25 PM – 3:00 PM

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

Panelists:

Claudine Kavanaugh, PhD, MPH, RD, Director Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, FDA
Anna Rosales, RD, Vice President Science & Policy, Institute of Food Technologists
Jacob Villagomez, Director Government Affairs, California Citrus Mutual
Elizabeth Campbell, Vice President Government Affairs and Media Relations, School Nutrition Association

It is estimated that up to 80% of retail foods in the U.S. could be considered highly processed. This session explores the pending federal definition and what this effort means for the full fresh produce supply chain.

3:00 PM – 3:15 PM | Networking Break

The Role of Epidemiological Data in Foodborne Outbreaks

3:15 PM – 3:55 PM

Moderator: Dr. Eric Stevens, Ph.D., VP Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs, IFPA

Panelists:

Jennifer Beal, Team Lead, Signals and Surveillance, FDA HFP
Dr. Laura Gieraltowski, Ph.D., Deputy Branch Chief for Outbreak Response and Prevention, CDC

Explore how epidemiological signals are identified and elevated, and how FDA weighs evidence alongside product positives and traceability data to inform regulatory actions.

The Future of AI in Food Safety

3:55 PM – 4:30 PM

Moderator: Eric Stevens, Ph.D., VP Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs, IFPA

Panelists:

Dr. Steven Musser, Ph.D., Associate Commissioner for Science Research, FDA HFP
Jeff Priebe, M.Sc., VP Quality Assurance & Food Safety, Danaco Solutions

This session explores how FDA is using AI-enabled tools to inform inspection prioritization and surveillance while maintaining transparency and scientific rigor.

5:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.

First-Time Attendee Meet Up

Room Location: Penn Quarter AB, Declaration Level (1B)
Empowering First-Time Attendees to Connect, Share, and Navigate Capitol Hill 

Welcome first-time attendees! Connect with fellow newcomers and seasoned advocates. Enjoy lively conversations, gain insider tips, and hear real stories that will help you approach Capitol Hill with confidence. 

5:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Welcome Reception

Room Location: Grand Foyer, Declaration Level (1B)

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open

Location: 5B Registration Desk, Independence Level (5B)

8:00 A.M. - 9:30 P.M.

Breakfast & General Session: Fresh Forward With the State of Fresh

Open the day with Chairman John Boozman, U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, offering attendees a timely perspective from Capitol Hill on the policy landscape shaping agriculture and fresh produce business. His opening will set the tone for the pivotal day!

Following, IFPA CEO Cathy Burns will deliver the State of Fresh, shedding light on the most pressing U.S. policy priorities and advocacy initiatives shaping the industry's future. This must attend session will reinforce the profound impact of member engagement in Washington and set a motivating tone for advocacy.

Speaker

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

Speaker Chairman John Boozman,
U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee

9:55 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.

Morning Break

Location: Independence Foyer

10:15 A.M. - 12:05 P.M.

Charting Tomorrow: U.S. Agriculture and Global Leadership General Session

Administration Official Insights & Fireside Chats on Economy, Labor, Trade and Regenerative Agriculture 

Join us as we share unique perspectives on how federal initiatives are positioning the industry to meet tomorrow's challenges, drive innovation, and ensure the continued resilience of America's food and agricultural systems.

Fireside chats focused on Economy, Labor, Trade and Regenerative Agriculture, key IFPA priorities shaping the industry’s long-term resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Gain valuable insight into the current landscape, opportunities for industry preparedness, and challenges surrounding these topics, offering important context for industry leadership and engagement. 

Prioritizing Production Profitability: Economic Conditions

10:15am - 10:35am

Speakers:

Dr. Justin Benavidez, Chief Economist, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Labor Fireside Chat

10:35am - 11:00am

Moderator:

Samantha Ayoub, Director of Workforce & Business Policy, IFPA

Speaker:

Brian Kennedy, Director of the Office of Immigration Policy, U.S. Department of Labor

Trade Fireside Chat

11:00am - 11:35am

Moderator:

Samantha Ayoub, Director of Workforce & Business Policy, IFPA

Speakers:

Alexis Taylor, Chief Global Policy Officer, IFPA

Dr Joe Bischoff, Principal, Cornerstone

Kris Denzel, Senior Director Economic Policy, Invariant

Regen Ag How it Impacts Grower Profitability Fireside Chat

11:35am - 12:05am

Speakers

Tamara Muruetagoiena, Vice President, Sustainability, IFPA
Sarah Davidson Evanega, VP of Business Development at Okanagan Specialty

12:05 P.M. - 1:20 P.M.

Lunch & General Session

Room Location: Independence A

Join us for a dynamic keynote luncheon featuring Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH), Vice Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee. A leading voice on agriculture, nutrition, and food system resilience, Rep. Brown will share her perspective on advancing policies that strengthen American agriculture, support growers, expand access to fresh, healthy foods and more!

Introduction: Alex DiNovo, President & COO, DNO Produce

Speaker

Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-OH)
Vice Ranking Member of the
House Agriculture Committee

1:20 P.M. - 1:50 P.M.

The Make America Healthy Again Movement

The MAHA movement has taken Washington by storm. This can’t miss session dives into the health, nutrition, and food policy work that may change America’s food landscape for decades.

1:50 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Championing Change: Amplifying Advocacy for IFPA's 2026 Policy Vision

Industry Voices Collaborating to Influence Policy on Capitol Hill

This session will immerse attendees in IFPA's 2026 U.S. policy priorities and legislative asks, providing the tools and messaging needed to advocate effectively for the produce and floral industry. IFPA's policy leaders will break down the most pressing issues driving industry engagement—including Labor, Production Profitability, Food Safety, Health & Nutrition, ERP and Farm Bill —ensuring you're prepared to champion these causes in upcoming meetings with lawmakers.

An open discussion amongst regions will follow, allowing participants time to ask questions, share perspectives, and strengthen their understanding of Capitol Hill meetings.

U.S. Nutrition Programs

1:50pm - 2:10pm

Speakers:

Mollie Van Lieu, VP Nutrition & Health, IFPA
Alison Hard, MS RD, National WIC Association
Stephanie Johnson, RDN, National Grocers Association
Steve Brazeel, Founder/CEO, SunTerra
Stephanie Hodges, MS, MPH, RDN, Nutrition Policy Consultant, The Nourished Principles

Food Safety: FDA Funding and State Inspection Capacity

2:10pm - 2:25pm

Speakers:

Dr. Eric Stevens, Ph.D., Vice President, Food Safety & Regulatory Affairs
Drew McDonald, SVP Food Safety & Quality, Taylor Farms

Labor: Pass Guestworker Visa Reform

2:25pm - 2:45pm

Speaker:

Kate Tynan, Senior Vice President, Northwest Horticultural Council
Samantha Ayoub, Director, Workforce & Business Policy, IFPA
Krista Shaw, VP of Human Resources, Mastronardi Produce

U.S. Farm Bill

3:00pm - 3:20pm

Speakers:

Rachel Roberts, President, American Mushroom Institute
Kasey Cronquist, President, North American Blueberry Council
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council
Sara Neagu Reed, Director, Production & Environmental Policy, IFPA

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

3:20pm - 3:40pm

Speakers:

Max Teplitski, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer
Aaron Fox, Executive Vice President, Fox Packaging
Rochelle Bohm, Vice President of Marketing, CMI Orchards

Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill (Mandatory Session)

3:45pm - 4:15pm

Must attend meeting! This required session - whether you’re a seasoned advocate or a Capitol Hill first‑timer - is the official kickoff to your U.S. House of Representatives & Senate Meetings. The Soapbox concierge scheduling team will share your personalized hill day printed meeting schedule and make any last-minute adjustments before you and your congressional meeting teammates head to capitol hill the next morning!

Speaker: Christopher Kush, MPP, CEO, Soapbox Consulting, LLC

5:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

The Joy of Fresh: Capitol Hill Reception

Rayburn Courtyard, Rayburn House Office Building

Join us on Capitol Hill for The Joy of Fresh Reception, where we honor the abundant contributions of fresh produce and floral to our health, happiness, and economy. This exclusive event brings together influential leaders from across Washington, D.C. including congressional and administration staff, allied partners, consumer advocates, and attendees of the IFPA Washington Conference. Experience an atmosphere of connection, celebration, and advocacy for a brighter, fresher future!

7:00 P.M. - 9:30 P.M.

FreshPAC Reception and Dinner (invitation only)

InterContinental Washington D.C. - The Wharf
801 Wharf St SW, Washington, DC 20024

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. For more information please contact Mica Hider.

Featured Guests:

Chair, Representative G.T Thompson
House Agriculture Committee

Don Davis
U.S. Representative,
House Agriculture Committee

Representative Chellie Pingree

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

7:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M.

Registration Open

7:30 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

General Session & Breakfast: Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture (Mandatory Session)

An unmatched opportunity for industry leaders to hear directly from a top Trump administration official. Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture will address key issues shaping the future of American agriculture. At a key time for fresh produce and floral, her perspective on the industry priorities will provide immense value to IFPA members and stakeholders attending the event. Following we will get an insider's view of Capitol Hill with U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse keynote, providing timely context just minutes before our industry heads to Congressional Meetings.

Speaker

Secretary Brooke Rollins
U.S. Department of Agriculture

U.S. Representative, Dan Newhouse, House Agriculture Committee

Dan Newhouse,
U.S. Representative
House Agriculture Committee

9:45 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.

Travel to Congressional Meetings - self travel, no buses

10:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

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

Every Voice Counts

Your participation will help ensure that policies strengthening fresh produce and floral remain at the forefront of legislative priorities. Let's work together to build healthier communities—one conversation on Capitol Hill at a time.

This is your time to ensure that fresh produce and floral business priorities are at the forefront of legislative priorities. In face-to-face meetings, make your voice heard to elected officials and their staff, helping politicians to understand and support the most important issues to your business—including labor, ERP, increasing consumption, farm bill and food safety—and share how actions taken in Washington directly affect you, your community, and the entire supply chain.

TWC Schedule

Monday, June 8, 2026

Washington Conference Registration Open

Volunteer Leadership Meetings (by invitation only)

FreshPAC Board of Directors (by invitation only)

Featured Session: Shaping Tomorrow's Table Through Nutrition and Food Safety

Human Foods Program: Nutrition and Food Safety Fireside Chat

Front of Pack Labeling: Empowering Consumers and Improving the Food Environment

Ultra-Processed Foods – What’s in a Definition?

The Role of Epidemiological Data in Foodborne Outbreaks

The Future of AI in Food Safety

First-Time Attendee Meet Up

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open

Breakfast & General Session: Fresh Forward With the State of Fresh

Cathy BurnsCEOInternational Fresh Produce Association

Morning Break

Charting Tomorrow: U.S. Agriculture and Global Leadership General Session

Prioritizing Production Profitability: Economic Conditions

Labor Fireside Chat

Trade Fireside Chat

Regen Ag How it Impacts Grower Profitability Fireside Chat

Lunch & General Session

The Make America Healthy Again Movement

Championing Change: Amplifying Advocacy for IFPA's 2026 Policy Vision

U.S. Nutrition Programs

Food Safety: FDA Funding and State Inspection Capacity

Labor: Pass Guestworker Visa Reform

U.S. Farm Bill

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill (Mandatory Session)

The Joy of Fresh: Capitol Hill Reception

FreshPAC Reception and Dinner (invitation only)

Chair, Representative G.T ThompsonHouse Agriculture Committee

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Registration Open

General Session & Breakfast: Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture (Mandatory Session)

Travel to Congressional Meetings - self travel, no buses

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

Related Resources

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

Chair, Representative G.T Thompson
House Agriculture Committee

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