Produce Advocacy Bootcamp

WELCOME to Bootcamp! Whether it’s your first time attending the Washington Conference, or you’re looking for a refresher on engaging in Congressional meetings in person, our Advocacy Bootcamp is designed for you! Learn effective strategies for sharing the produce industry’s voice with elected officials during two days of Congressional Meetings, as you gain an overview of our industry’s key issues and learn tips for making your message memorable.

FUEL UP: KEY ELEMENTS OF BOOTCAMP:

Insight into current critical policy issues to discuss how they directly affect the fresh produce industry
Techniques for effective communication with Members of Congress
Clear do’s and don’ts around advocacy
Learn what role social media plays in your Congressional meetings
Learn how to role-play Congressional Meetings

WALK: THROUGH THE BENEFITS TO EMPLOYER:

Effective professional development for staff
Benefit from an employee more equipped to lead
A strong, eager employee to shape the future success of your company with public policy
Your staff will have the chance to build relationships and network with peers and high-profile leaders in the industry

Agenda

WARM UP: Advocacy 365 Insightful Opportunities

Tuesday, June 3 at Noon ET | Virtual
Know Before You Go Webinar
Gear up for your Washington, D.C. experience! Just days before you arrive, we will provide the current state of play, what to expect, and also provide time to answer your questions. SIGN UP
Monday, June 9 at 3:30 – 4:30 PM | In Person
Opening General Session: IFPA’s 2025 Policy Priorities—Your Voice. Your Impact.
Begin your onsite experience with a detailed discussion on the pressing policy issues shaping the produce and floral industry. This opening session goes beyond a traditional briefing—offering an overview of key priorities and encouraging attendees to share experiences, challenges, and insights. This is your personal opportunity to learn from one another, build confidence, and prepare to speak with a united, informed voice.
Monday, June 9 at 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | In Person
Advocacy Bootcamp Meet Up for New Attendee
First-time attendees come together. Connect with seasoned attendees to maximize the impact of your time in Washington.

Weights: Strengthen Your Knowledge of the Key Issues Impacting the Industry
Prep for the fight for fresh. Review the top issues and policy asks to gain a clear understanding of our collective unified messaging that will enhance our effectiveness on the Hill during and following Tuesday and Wednesday's visits. 

Talking Points – Consider it your cheat sheet!
Ensure Fair Trade & Non-Tariff Barriers
Address Labor Crisis
Prioritize Food Safety Funding & Transparency
Improve Nutrition & Growing Fresh Consumption
Pass a Strong Farm Bill

Cardio: Run Through How to Conduct Effective Meetings with Congress
Boost your confidence before heading to Capitol Hill. Congressional visits can be fun, quirky and often take place in odd places. Dive into a “’typical day” for a Member of Congress, learn the basic elements of a Hill meeting and how to deliver your message in a meaningful and concise way, that will also leave an impression well beyond your 20-minute meeting!  

Successful Congressional Meetings

Agility: Mobilizing the Power of Fresh
The political epicenter of the United States Washington, DC, can be mysterious, exciting and, in some cases, intimidating. Know the civics basics, what influential Congressional committees have jurisdiction over your business, and most importantly gain tips for how you can personally share vital facts Members of Congress want to know about you and your company – make it memorable and effective.

Committees of Jurisdiction
3 Facts a Member of Congress Needs to Know
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable State Profiles
U.S. Economic Impact: Fresh Produce & Floral Industries
IFPA Labor Reports
Government Relations Terms

Stretching & Flexibility: Interactive Role-Playing Exercises
Staying nimble during your Congressional visits is key to success! Take what you’ve learned and put it into practice with 2-3 of your colleagues, set up a small group role-playing with your industry peers, where you will finetune your position points.

COOL DOWN: Strength in Numbers
Take a moment to learn more about FreshPAC

What is FreshPAC? Reach out to Mica Hider mhider@freshproduce.com if you are interested in receiving additional information about the FreshPAC and its events.
FreshPAC Authorization Form

#PowerOfFresh 