Name: The Washington Conference Schedule
Start: 2023-09-18T09:00:00
End: 2023-09-20T17:00:00
Location: Grand Hyatt Washington

Monday, June 9, 2025

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

8:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

International Fresh Produce Association volunteer leaders represent our member companies throughout the entire produce & floral supply chain from farm to table. Conference attendees who are members in good standing may be eligible to observe volunteer meetings and activities. If you’re interested in learning more, please contact Miriam Wolk at mwolk@freshproduce.com.

8:30 AM - 10:00 AM: Supply Chain Council - Penn Quarter AB

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: U.S. Country Council (By Invitation Only)-Lafayette Park

10:15 AM - 3:00 PM: Food Safety Council - Pen Quarter AB

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: FreshPAC Board of Directors (By Invitation Only) - Farragut Square

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Market Sector Issue Forum - Independence A

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: U.S. Policy Committee - Independence BCD

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: U.S. Grassroots & Engagement Committee - Independence BCD

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Organics Committee (By Invitation Only) - Tiber Creek, Level 1B

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM: Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Meeting (By Invitation Only) - Penn Quarter AB

10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Transform the Fresh Produce Supply Chain
Independence FGH

Join industry leaders at the Supply Chain of the Future Program Symposium. This FREE, one-day event (live at the Grand Hyatt Washington D.C. or virtually) brings together experts from across the fresh produce ecosystem to showcase breakthrough technologies, launch pilot programs, and build collaborative solutions to our industry's most pressing challenges. Be part of the revolution that's creating a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable global food system.

*This one-day symposium is free, but requires a separate registration from The Washington Conference.

Learn more about The Supply Chain of the Future Symposium

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Opening General Session: IFPA's 2025 Policy Priorities - Your Voice. Your Impact.
Independence A

Start your Washington Conference experience with a collaborative look at the pressing policy issues shaping the produce and floral industry. This opening session goes beyond a traditional briefing—offering an overview of key priorities like labor, nutrition, trade, the Farm Bill, tax policy, and food safety, while encouraging attendees to share experiences, challenges, and insights. Whether you're navigating these issues on the ground or advocating on the Hill, this is your opportunity to learn from one another, build confidence, and prepare to speak with a united, informed voice.

Moderator

Rebeckah Adcock
VP, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelists

Joe Bischoff, PHD
Principal
Cornerstone Government Affairs

Adam Tarr
Principal
Invariant

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition & Health
International Fresh Produce Association

John Hollay
Director U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Sara Neagu-Reed
Director of Production & Environmental Policy
International Fresh Produce Association

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Advocacy Bootcamp Meet-Up for New Attendees
Declaration AB

Designed for first-time attendees to connect with seasoned advocates, to hear first-hand their tips and tricks to navigating Capitol Hill with confidence.

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Welcome to DC: Washington Conference Opening Reception
Grand Foyer

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

7:45 AM - 8:45 AM

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & Address
Independence A

Start your morning with fresh insights and forward-looking perspective at this essential breakfast session. The State of the Fresh Nation address will equip attendees with a clear view of the trends, challenges, and policy priorities shaping our industry today. Gain the knowledge and inspiration needed to advocate effectively and lead confidently in the conversations that matter most.

Host

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

8:30 AM

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open
Independence Foyer

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

What Advocacy Means for You – MAHA Edition
Independence A

Public policy isn’t just background noise—it shapes business success and opportunities for everyone in the fresh produce and floral industries. In this general session, policy leaders take the stage to break down the practical and political dynamics shaping the President’s Make America Healthy Again Commission and how the findings and recommendations could impact the fresh sector and your business’s bottom line.

Moderator

Rebeckah Adcock
VP, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Speakers

Peter Lurie
President
Center for Science in the Public Interest

Devin Mogler
President & CEO
National Oilseed Processors Association

Kip Tom
Vice Chair of Rural Policy
America First Policy Institute; President,
CereServ, Inc.
Managing Member, Tom Farms, IN

Joby Young
Executive Vice President
American Farm Bureau Federation

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

What You Need to Know: Congressional Meetings Logistics & Schedule Distribution
Independence A

Speaker

Christopher Kush
MMP, CEO/Author
Soapbox Consulting

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Networking Break/Transition to Concurrent Education Session Rooms
Independence Foyer

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Concurrent Education Sessions:
Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: Focus on Policy Priorities

Master your message as you gain important insights from subject matter experts and industry leaders.

Unlocking Agriculture's Potential: The Economic Case for H-2A Reform
Independence FGH
Join congressional staff from key offices championing labor legislation vital to the fresh produce and floral supply chains. This panel will explore how proposed administrative and legislative reforms for our agricultural workforce can enable us to keep our farms competitive and secure our future.

Chris MacArthur
Legislative Director
Congressman Dan Newhouse

Remy Fortin
Legislative Director
Congressman Bill Huizenga

Trevor White
Deputy Staff Director
Majority, House Agriculture Committee
Make America Healthy Again: What it Means for Fruits and Vegetables
Independence DE
Nutrition and health policy are center stage in Washington under the banner of "Make America Healthier Again," but what does this mean for fruits and vegetables—and for the fresh produce industry? Join USDA, HHS, and Congressional staff for a dynamic discussion on the MAHA agenda, the opportunities and barriers to boost produce consumption, and how produce advocates can help shape healthier outcomes for all Americans. Get briefed before heading to the Hill with a clear message: fruits and vegetables must be part of the solution.

Moderator

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition & Health
International Fresh Produce Association

Speakers

Sandy Curwood
Consultant and Former Director, Virginia Dept. of Education
Office of School Nutrition Programs

Elizabeth Fawell
Partner
Hogan Lovells

Alison Hard
MS, RD, Policy Director
National WIC Association
The Next Farm Bill is Taking Too Long: Why it Matters for Fresh
Independence BC
Join us for a timely deeper dive into the future of the Farm Bill and why the legislation is so important to the fresh produce sector. With shifting politics, this session will explore what has changed since 2024 and where things are headed in 2025 for this critically needed rewrite of agricultural policy and programming. You will leave this session better equipped to “fight for fresh” on the Hill.
Moderator

Sara Neagu-Reed
Director of Production & Environmental Policy
International Fresh Produce Association

Speakers

Brandon Honeycutt
Senior Professional Staff Member
(Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar)
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture
Nutrition, and Forestry

Emily Pliscott
Economist/Senior Policy Analyst
(Ranking Member Angie Craig)
House Agriculture Committee

Kate Covington
Legislative Aide (Chairman John Boozman)
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

Josie Montoney-Crawford
Policy Adviser (Chairman G.T. Thompson)
US House Committee on Agriculture, Chairman Thompson
The Price of Safety: Advocating for Food Safety Funding
Lafayette Park
Gear up for your advocacy efforts with this deep dive into our top food safety priority: securing strong resources for food safety programs. We'll unpack the policy landscape, clarify your talking points, and answer your questions—ensuring you’re confident, informed, and ready to advocate for a safer, fresher food system on Capitol Hill.

Chair

Jennifer Pulcipher
IFPA Food Safety Council
Northbay Produce

Speakers

Paul Lewis, Ph.D.
Vice President of Food Safety Standards &
Regulatory Compliance
International Fresh Produce Association

Steve Mandernach
Executive Director
Association of Food and Drug Officials

John Myron
Policy Adviser, Office of Rep. Rosa DeLauro
House Appropriations Committee

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM

The Power of Advocacy Luncheon & Awards: Let's Talk Trade!
Independence A

Don't miss an insightful, focused, general session discussion on President Trump’s recent tariffs and future trade actions, featuring industry experts. Administration officials invited.

Afterwards, we celebrate the champions of our industry as we honor this year’s IFPA Advocate of the Year. Rounding out the session, we are thrilled to honor long-time friend of fresh, Bruce Summers, who recently retired as Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service after 40 years of service to USDA. Bruce is receiving IFPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his invaluable commitment to agriculture, in particular his dedication to the fresh produce industry.

Moderator

Rebeckah Adcock
VP, U.S. Government Relations
International Fresh Produce Association

Speaker

Deputy Under Secretary
Michelle Bekkering
Trade & Foreign Agricultural Affairs
USDA

1:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Travel to Capitol Hill

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

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

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill
Rayburn Courtyard, Rayburn House Office Building

Celebrate the wonderful bounty that fresh produce and floral provides for health, happiness and the economy! Connect with hundreds of DC influencers – key congressional and administration staff, allied partners, consumer advocates and fellow IFPA Washington Conference attendees @ The Joy of Fresh!

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Return on Influence: FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separate Registration Required)
The Willard, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

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. FreshPAC lets you be most active in the political process by supporting and helping to elect pro-produce candidates. Please reach out to Mica Hider at mhider@freshproduce.com if you are interested in receiving additional information about the FreshPAC.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

7:15 AM

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open
Independence Foyer

7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Women’s Fresh Perspectives: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast
Independence A

Start your day with purpose and energy at this breakfast. All conference attendees – women and the allies who support them - gather to connect, share, and grow. Hosted by our Women's Fresh Perspectives Portfolio, dedicated to cultivating women’s potential and celebrating their leadership, this session offers inspiring conversation, meaningful connections, and a fresh look at advocacy to carry into your day on the Hill.

Moderator

Alexis Taylor
Chief Global Policy Officer
International Fresh Produce Association

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

General Session: Federal Perspectives on the Regulation of Food
Independence A

Keynote Speaker

Kyle Diamantas J.D.
Acting Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods
FDA

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Travel to Congressional Meetings on Capitol Hill

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: U.S. Senate Meetings

1:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Power of Fresh Roundtable: Focus on Food Safety and Health
Independence FGH

Sit down for an interactive roundtable bringing top FDA Human Food Program (HFP) officials together with the fresh produce supply chain. This is your opportunity to discuss both industry and administration priorities within the Human Foods Program and will showcase how industry and government can work together to enhance nutrition and food safety not just in times of crisis but with preventive strategies every day. Come prepared to ask questions.

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

1:15-1:30 pm USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS): Encouraging Healthy Choices in America’s Nutrition Assistance Programs

Speaker

James C. Miller
Administrator for Food and Nutrition Service FNS
USDA.

1:30 - 2:05 pm USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS): A Specialty Crops Update

A timely update from AMS leadership on everything from the enhanced Marking Analysis & Reporting Services (MARS) to inspection to procurement. Get to know your USDA AMS Specialty Crops team!

Speaker

Ken Petersen
USDA

2:05-3:00 pm - Industry Innovations in Food Safety

Speaker

Skip Hulett
Chief Legal Officer
NatureSweet

Trevor Suslow
Professor of Cooperative Emeritus Extension
UC Davis,

Teri Simmons
Quality Assurance Manager - Produce
Compass Group North America

Kate Burr
Director of Food Safety & Quality Assurance
Ocean Mist

Deadra Holloway
Director of Food Safety
DNO Produce

Drew McDonald
Executive Vice President
Food Safety & Quality
Taylor Farms

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Break

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM: FDA Panel on Priorities, Policy & Progress

Moderator:

Paul Lewis, Ph.D.
Vice President of Food Safety Standards &
Regulatory Compliance
International Fresh Produce Association

Panelists:

Samir Assar
Director, Division of Fresh Produce Safety, Office of Produce Safety
Human Foods Program, FDA

Conrad Choiniere, Ph.D.
Director, Office of Microbiological Food Safety
Human Foods Programs

Eileen Abt Sc.D
Chemist, Division, Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements and Innovation
Human Foods Program

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM: Interactive Town Hall with FDA

The Washington Conference

Schedule of Events

Monday, June 9, 2025

Washington Conference Registration Desk OpenIndependence Level (5B)

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

Transform the Fresh Produce Supply ChainIndependence FGH

Opening General Session: IFPA's 2025 Policy Priorities - Your Voice. Your Impact.Independence A

Mollie Van LieuVice President, Nutrition & HealthInternational Fresh Produce Association

Advocacy Bootcamp Meet-Up for New AttendeesDeclaration AB

Welcome to DC: Washington Conference Opening Reception Grand Foyer

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Washington Conference Registration Desk OpenIndependence Level (5B)

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & AddressIndependence A

Cathy BurnsCEOInternational Fresh Produce Association

Congressional Meetings Help Desk OpenIndependence Foyer

What Advocacy Means for You – MAHA EditionIndependence A

Devin MoglerPresident & CEONational Oilseed Processors Association

What You Need to Know: Congressional Meetings Logistics & Schedule DistributionIndependence A

Networking Break/Transition to Concurrent Education Session RoomsIndependence Foyer

Concurrent Education Sessions:Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: Focus on Policy Priorities

Mollie Van LieuVice President, Nutrition & HealthInternational Fresh Produce Association

Elizabeth FawellPartnerHogan Lovells

Alison HardMS, RD, Policy DirectorNational WIC Association

Emily PliscottEconomist/Senior Policy Analyst(Ranking Member Angie Craig)House Agriculture Committee

The Power of Advocacy Luncheon & Awards: Let's Talk Trade!Independence A

Travel to Capitol Hill

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

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol HillRayburn Courtyard, Rayburn House Office Building

Return on Influence: FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separate Registration Required)The Willard, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Congressional Meetings Help Desk OpenIndependence Foyer

Washington Conference Registration Desk OpenIndependence Level (5B)

Women’s Fresh Perspectives: Focus on Advocacy BreakfastIndependence A

General Session: Federal Perspectives on the Regulation of FoodIndependence A

Keynote Speaker

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

Travel to Congressional Meetings on Capitol Hill

Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: U.S. Senate Meetings

Power of Fresh Roundtable: Focus on Food Safety and HealthIndependence FGH

Trevor SuslowProfessor of Cooperative Emeritus ExtensionUC Davis,

Teri SimmonsQuality Assurance Manager - ProduceCompass Group North America

Deadra HollowayDirector of Food SafetyDNO Produce

Eileen Abt Sc.DChemist, Division, Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements and InnovationHuman Foods Program

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

Transform the Fresh Produce Supply Chain
Independence FGH

Opening General Session: IFPA's 2025 Policy Priorities - Your Voice. Your Impact.
Independence A

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition & Health
International Fresh Produce Association

Advocacy Bootcamp Meet-Up for New Attendees
Declaration AB

Welcome to DC: Washington Conference Opening Reception
Grand Foyer

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & Address
Independence A

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open
Independence Foyer

What Advocacy Means for You – MAHA Edition
Independence A

Devin Mogler
President & CEO
National Oilseed Processors Association

What You Need to Know: Congressional Meetings Logistics & Schedule Distribution
Independence A

Networking Break/Transition to Concurrent Education Session Rooms
Independence Foyer

Concurrent Education Sessions:
Advocate for Fresh on Capitol Hill: Focus on Policy Priorities

Mollie Van Lieu
Vice President, Nutrition & Health
International Fresh Produce Association

Elizabeth Fawell
Partner
Hogan Lovells

Alison Hard
MS, RD, Policy Director
National WIC Association

Emily Pliscott
Economist/Senior Policy Analyst
(Ranking Member Angie Craig)
House Agriculture Committee

The Power of Advocacy Luncheon & Awards: Let's Talk Trade!
Independence A

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill
Rayburn Courtyard, Rayburn House Office Building

Return on Influence: FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separate Registration Required)
The Willard, 1401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open
Independence Foyer

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open
Independence Level (5B)

Women’s Fresh Perspectives: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast
Independence A

General Session: Federal Perspectives on the Regulation of Food
Independence A

Power of Fresh Roundtable: Focus on Food Safety and Health
Independence FGH

Trevor Suslow
Professor of Cooperative Emeritus Extension
UC Davis,

Teri Simmons
Quality Assurance Manager - Produce
Compass Group North America

Deadra Holloway
Director of Food Safety
DNO Produce

Eileen Abt Sc.D
Chemist, Division, Office of Food Chemical Safety, Dietary Supplements and Innovation
Human Foods Program