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

8:30 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

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

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Food Safety Council

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

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

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

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

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Organics Committee

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Transform the Fresh Produce Supply Chain

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.

Register for Symposium

*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.

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

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

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

7:45 AM - 9:00 AM

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & Address

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

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Keynote General Session: Policy in Action - What Advocacy Means for You

Public policy isn’t just background noise—it shapes the business landscape for everyone in the fresh produce and floral industries. In this powerful keynote, top officials take the stage to break down the legislation, regulation, and global dynamics that are impacting your business right now—and what’s on the horizon. Discover how decisions in Washington ripple through your operations and what you can do to stay ahead.

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

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

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
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
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.
The Next Farm Bill is Taking Too Long: Why it Matters for Fresh
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.
- U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Committee Staff
- U.S. House Agriculture Committee Staff
The Price of Safety: Advocating for Food Safety Funding
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.

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!

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.

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

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Women’s Fresh Perspectives: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast

Start your day with purpose and energy at breakfast with Representative Angie Craig (MN-D), Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee who is a key player on food and farming issues on Capitol Hill. 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

Speaker

Representative Angie Craig (MN-D)
Ranking Member, Committee on Agriculture
U.S. House of Representatives

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Keynote Address

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

9:30 AM - 10:15 PM

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

9:45 AM - 10:15 AM

Travel to Congressional Meetings on Capitol Hill

10:30 AM - 12:30 AM

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

1:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Power of Fresh: Focus on Food Safety and Health Roundtable

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

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM: Food Is Medicine: Opportunities to Grow Produce Consumption Through Healthcare

2:15 PM - 3:00 PM: Industry Innovations in Food Safety

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM: Break

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

Moderator: Paul Lewis, VP, Food Safety Standards & Regulatory Compliance, IFPA

Panelists:

Samir Assar, Director of the Division of Fresh Produce Safety, Human Foods Program
Conrad J. Choinier, Ph.D. Director, Office of Microbiological Food Safety, Human Foods Program
Eileen Abt, 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

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

Transform the Fresh Produce Supply Chain

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

Mollie Van LieuVice President, Nutrition & HealthInternational Fresh Produce Association

Advocacy Bootcamp Meet-Up for New Attendees

Welcome to DC: Washington Conference Opening Reception

Tuesday, June 10, 2025

State of the Fresh Nation Breakfast & Address

Cathy BurnsCEOInternational Fresh Produce Association

Congressional Meetings Help Desk Open

Keynote General Session: Policy in Action - What Advocacy Means for You

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

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

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

Travel to Capitol Hill

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

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill

Return on Influence: FreshPAC Reception & Dinner (Separate Registration Required)

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Women’s Fresh Perspectives: Focus on Advocacy Breakfast

Keynote Address

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: Focus on Food Safety and Health Roundtable

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

Cathy Burns
CEO
International Fresh Produce Association

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