The Washington Conference Schedule

Monday, September 26, 2022

7:30 AM - Noon

Volunteer Leadership Meetings
7:30 AM - Noon | Organics Committee Store Tour & Meeting

8:00 AM - Noon | Food Safety Council

8:00 AM - Noon | U.S. Government Relations Council

9:00 AM - Noon | Grower-Shipper Council

9:00 AM - Noon | Fresh-Cut Processor Council

9:00 AM - Noon | Wholesaler-Distributor Council

9:00 AM - Noon | Business Service Provider Roundtable

10:00 AM - Noon | Political Advisory Committee

Noon - 1:15 PM

Volunteer General Session Lunch
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level (5B)

Keynote Speaker

Elaine Trevino, Senior Supply Chain Advisor, Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force

All association volunteer leaders participating in the day's meetings will attend a group lunch to hear from Biden-Harris Administration Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force Senior Supply Chain Advisor Elaine Trevino. She will address how the administration is addressing short-term supply chain discontinuities and their effects on the fresh produce and floral supply chains.

IFPA is led by more than 1,300 individuals currently serving in elected or appointed positions of leadership. These volunteer leaders represent our member companies throughout the entire produce supply chain from farm to table. Attendees are welcome to observe market segment and industry expert council meetings.

*The volunteer lunch general session is for current IFPA volunteer leaders.

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Allied Associations Roundtable (Invite Only)

1:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Produce Advocacy Bootcamp

Designed for first-time Washington Conference attendees, grassroots members and anyone looking to refresh their advocacy skills, this bootcamp will provide the skills and confidence needed to engage with key legislators. Learn from seasoned advocates adn quickly find your voice!

Fuel Up: Grab Water and Meet Your Peers | 1:15 PM
Network with fellow advocates and get ready for bootcamp beginning at 1:30 PM sharp.

Warm Up: Walkthrough of Today's Basic Training | 1:30 - 1:40 PM
Check out the tools in The Washington Conference advocacy toolbox to gain proven strategies for engaging congressional leaders on our industry's top issues and your business. You will gain a clear understanding of what you can expect during three days in Washington DC and two days on Capitol Hill. Discover what influential Congressional committees have jurisdiction over your business.

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

Weights: Strengthen Your Knowledge of the Key Issues Impacting the Industry | 1:40 - 2:10 PM
Led by industry veterans and DC expert staff, participate in a comprehensive discussion on the top policy asks, the issues and personal experiences from their time in Congressional meetings. Gain insights on topics such as food safety, labor, nutrition policy and supply chain. Get tips for how you can personally share vital facts Members of Congress want to know about you and your company. You'll leave with a clear understanding of our collective unified messaging that will enhance our industry's effectiveness on the Hill during and following Tuesday and Wednesday's visits.

Adam Tarr, Legislative Counsel, Invariant
Mark Klompien, President/CEO, United Potato Growers of America (Salt Lake City, UT)
Jackie Caplan Wiggins, Vice President and CAO, Frieda's, Inc. (Los Alamitos, CA)
Tony Freytag, Executive Vice President, Crunch Pak (Cashmere, WA)

Cardio: Run Through How to Conduct Effective Meetings With Congress | 2:10 - 2:30 PM
Boost your confidence before heading to Capitol Hill with one of the most respected and eloquent experts in DC. 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 learn how to deliver your message in a meaningful and concise way that will also leave an impression well beyond your 20-minute meeting!

Stretching and Flexibility: Interactive Role-Playing Exercises | 2:30 - 3:00 PM
Staying nimble during your Congressional visits is key to success! Take what you've learned and put it into practice as you participate in small group role-playing with your industry peers, with whom you will fine-tune your position points. U.S. Government Relations Committee and Political Advisory Committee members will help facilitate discussion and share one-on-one their personal expertise.

Led by: Marissa Dake, Director of Communications & Public Affairs, DNO Produce

Discussion Facilitators:
John Baillie, COO, Jack T. Baillie Co., Inc. (Salinas, CA)
Craig Fields, Vice President-Business Development-Emerging Channels, RPE, Inc. (Plover, WI)
Melissa Motejunas, Strategic Accounts Sales Manager, Native Maine Operations Inc (Westbrook, ME)
William (Bill) Nardelli Jr., Vice President, Nardelli Bros., Inc. (Cedarville, NJ)
Paul Newstead, Director of Business Development, Domex Superfresh Growers (Yakima, WA)
Jonathan Reed, Global Sales Director, PearlSort, LLC (Temecula, CA)
Case Samuel, Chief Sales Officer, Sunrise Fresh Dried Fruit Co. of California (Linden, CA)
Will Steele, President & CEO, Frontera Produce LTD (Edinburg, TX)
Jon Wall, Vice President of Operations, North Bay Produce, Inc. (Traverse City, MI)

Cool Down: Advocacy 365 | 3:00 - 3:15 PM
Your work on Capitol Hill carries the weight of 365 days of impact. Learn various communication and engagement techniques to enhance the #PowerOfFresh message from home. These skills and tips will empower you and your team to continue to build on the critical relationships you'll create during your Congressional meetings.

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

The Produce Economic Outlook Forum

Join respected authorities from inside and outside the fresh produce industry for a compelling discussion of the data revealed in IFPA's Industry Economic Impact Study, followed by an expert look at inflation – its causes, impacts and solutions. We'll then gather the insights of fresh produce growers, shippers and retailers. Savvy economic insights await you, from people and perspectives you don't want to miss.

Unveiling of Industry Economic Impact Findings | 3:30 - 3:45 PM
The fresh produce and floral industries support jobs in every state in the U.S., encompassing a diverse range of activities and products from farm to fork or vase. IFPA's Industry Economic Impact Study will showcase the clear importance of our industry and serve as a tool to the members, the industry and your IFPA government relations and regulatory teams as we work with Congress and the Administration.

Speaker: Robert Guenther, Chief Public Policy Officer, IFPA

Fresh Food: Can Wellness Weather Inflation | 3:45 - 4:15 PM
With inflation causing consumers to focus on little else but price, how are they changing their shopping behaviors and purchasing decisions? How can food producers and retailers adapt and compete? Data from Deloitte's soon-to-be-released Future of Fresh survey and its ongoing State of the Consumer Tracker address these questions and points to opportunities from sustained interest in fresh food's health benefits.

Speaker: Justin Cook, Consumer Products Research Leader, Deloitte Services, LLP

How Food Is Affecting the U.S. Economy | 4:15 - 4:45 PM
Rising grocery bills are a top issue for the American consumer today. Sustained inflation of a sort that has not been seen in decades has led to major shifts in both how consumers shop as well as how food companies are producing and marketing their products. Matthew Barry, Food & Beverages Insights Manager Americas, Euromonitor International will take the audience through the outlook for pricing in the food industry, both corporate and consumer responses and what it means for your business – competitors, trends, channel, innovation, consumers, threats and growth.

Speaker: Matthew Barry, Food & Beverages Insights Manager Americas, Euromonitor International

Industry Reaction Panel Representing the Entire Supply Chain | 4:45 - 5:25 PM
Connect the dots, gather new insights from the entire fresh produce supply chain from growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesaler-distributors, business solution providers, foodservice and retailers. How is each sector managing and forecasting?

Host: Patrick Vizzone, IFPA Board of Directors Secretary-Treasurer, Managing Director and Head of Agri-Food, Asia Pacific, Franklin Templeton

Guests:

John Jackson, CEO, Beachside Produce, LLC
Judy Clark, CEO, Fresh Texas
Mike Mallon, VP of Sales, American Packaging Corp.
Stefanie Katzman, Executive Vice President, S. Katzman Produce, Inc.
Ethan Stewart, Director Strategic Sourcing, Produce Alliance, LLC
Tony Mitchell, VP of Produce, Associated Wholesale Grocers

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Welcome Reception

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

The Produce Safety Immersion Program Alumni Event (Invite Only)

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

7:15 AM - 7:45 AM

Congressional Meeting Team Leader Session

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Opening General Session Breakfast

Keynote: Senator John Boozman (R-AR), Ranking Member, Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee

Laura Himes, Chair Elect, Senior Director Merchandising, Produce, Walmart, will welcome Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman (R-AR) to discuss the outlook of agriculture and business. As the highest ranking Republican directly working on our issues in Congress, attendees will get to hear his insights and vision regarding how best to address current policies, opportunities as we head into the Farm Bill, and obstacles our supply chain will need to meet.

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Crafting Our Message for Capitol Hill

Get ready to bring the #PowerOfFresh to Washington. Join an illustrious roster from the fresh produce industry to help Washington Conference attendees prepare to deliver our message with strength and clarity – to Congress, the Administration, and key Embassies. Don't miss Chairman of the U.S. Government Relations Committee Brian Kocher, President and CEO, Calavo Growers, Inc., host this great hour of insight and advocacy.

Host: Chairman of the U.S. Government Relations Committee Brian Kocher, President and CEO, Calavo Growers, Inc.

Guests:

Dr. Jennifer McEntire, Chief Executive Food Safety & Regulatory Officer
Rebeckah Adcock, VP, U.S. Government Relations
Mollie Van Lieu, VP, Nutrition and Health
John Hollay, Director, Workforce/Labor
George Szczepanski, Director, Production, Supply Chain & Environmental Policy

10:45 AM - 11:45 AM

Insider’s View on Key Business Issues in DC: Concurrent Roundtables

Nutrition Nation
The White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health is a great step forward for our industry. But what does it mean for our industry goal to significantly increase consumption and improve nutrition across our country? Join Mollie Van Lieu, IFPA's Vice President of Nutrition & Health, along with insightful nutrition and regulatory experts, to discuss next steps and how we're progressing toward the 2030 goal to end hunger and reduce the rates of disease caused by a poor diet. What role does our industry play? What role can you and your company play? Don't miss this session, and learn how you can take these essential messages to Capitol Hill.

Host: Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition & Health

Participants:

Claire Borzner, Professional Staff Member, Senate Agriculture Committee Majority Staff
Sandy Curwood, Director, VA Department of Education, Child Nutrition Services
Brent Ling, National Produce Prescription Collaborative and Wholesome Wave
Janet M. de Jesus, MS, RD, Nutrition Advisor, Division of Prevention Science, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion HHS, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
Jennifer Tiller, Deputy Staff Director, House Agriculture Committee Minority Staff

Broadening Our Immigration Focus
Join IFPA's John Hollay, Director of Workforce/Labor Government Relations, as he guides a discussion including leaders from the Agriculture Workforce Coalition (AWC), the Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus (ANIC) and the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). These three diverse coalitions are taking the fight for immigration reform to Washington DC, representing thousands of businesses, religious organizations, associations and more. Learn how the AWC, ANIC, and ABIC give voice to farms, the faithful, the folks on Main Street and the players on Wall Street – creating a single message for Congress: The time is now to pass the first major immigration reform legislation in over three decades.

Host: John Hollay, Director of Workforce/Labor Government Relations

Participants:

Chuck Conner, President & CEO, National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
James O'Neill, Director of Outreach, American Business Immigration Coalition
Jen Olson, Alliance for a New Immigration Consensus

The Investment in the Produce Supply Chain
Join Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA's Vice President of Government Relations, in this insightful exchange with relevant industry experts as we look at the underlying causes of recent supply chain disruptions, identify the most perplexing challenges, and determine exactly what Washington is and can be doing to help our industry build a stronger marketplace for all.

Host: Rebeckah Adcock, IFPA's Vice President of Government Relations

Participants:

Peter Friedmann, Executive Director, Agriculture Transportation Council
Matt Walker, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Restaurant Association
John Drake, VP, TISCP

A Seat at the Table: Our Voice in the Farm Bill
Discover the future of the political environment our industry faces and understand the crucial timelines for legislative action that will determine the fate of the Farm Bill, set to expire this coming year. Don't miss this essential discussion of IFPA's priorities and positions and discover your role in engaging Congress to make a positive impact on the fresh produce industry.

Host: Robert Guenther, Chief Public Policy Officer, IFPA

Co-Chairs of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance:

Kam Quarles, Chief Executive Officer, National Potato Council
Michael A. Joyner, President, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Dave Puglia, CEO, Western Growers

Noon - 7:30 PM

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill

Celebrate what the fresh produce and floral industry offers to health, happiness and the economy! Connect with hundreds of DC influencers – key congressional and administrative staff, allied partners, consumer advocates and fellow IFPA Washington Conference attendees while experiencing The Joy of Fresh!

Noon - 2:30 PM: Joy of Fresh Market for Capitol Hill Staff

2:00 - 5:00 PM: Harvest Fresh Market (Public is welcome)

4:30 - 7:00 PM: Happy Hour Reception for The Washington Conference and DC Influencers

12:00 PM - 1:15 PM

General Session Luncheon

Independence Ballroom A

Keynote Speaker:

Jenny Lester Moffitt, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, USDA

Moffitt leads the USDA programs that most directly impact the fresh produce industry. Under Secretary Moffitt plays a pivotal role in implementing USDA’s Food System Transformation Framework and she oversees policy and operations for key programs including AMS — the Agricultural Marketing Service, APHIS — the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and USDA purchases of fresh produce and commodities.

2:00 PM - 5:30 PM

March on Washington: Day 1 [Concurrent Events - Select ONE]
U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Meetings, Administration & Embassy Briefings

2:00 - 5:30 PM U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Meetings

2:00 - 3:00 PM Environmental Protection Agency
Rod Snyder, Senior Advisor for Agriculture, Office of the Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2:00 - 3:00 PM Embassy of Canada Briefing
Christine McKee, Agriculture Counsellor, Economic & Trade Policy, Embassy of Canada

2:00 - 3:30 PM Produce Safety at FDA: A Conversation With FDA Leadership
Independence Ballroom A, Grand Hyatt Washington

The Food and Drug Administration regulates about 80% of the U.S. food supply and is the primary federal regulator of produce safety. With several rules coming out, outbreaks in the headlines, and prevention strategies underway, it’s more important than ever that IFPA's members understand the FDA and how produce safety is managed. Join IFPA's Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Global Food Safety Standards Dr. Emily Griep as she leads a conversation with FDA leaders Dr. Susan Mayne, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, and Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response, on current challenges, priorities and solutions for the future. Find out more about opportunities for collaboration as we face the future of food safety as an industry.

Host: Dr. Emily Griep, VP, Regulatory Compliance & Global Food Standards

Participants:
Dr. Susan Mayne, Director, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, The Food and Drug Administration
Frank Yiannas, Deputy Commissioner, Food Policy and Response, The Food and Drug Administration

2:00 - 4:00 PM DC Central Kitchen Tour [Limited to 25 Attendees]
DC Central Kitchen is an organization that is putting IFPA's nutrition policy victories into action, increasing access to fresh produce for residents living in Washington, DC's most underserved communities. Their Healthy Corners initiative has received federal and local funding, advocated by IFPA, which has helped incentive small store operators to offer fresh fruits and vegetables for sale, while also supporting incentive opportunities for SNAP and WIC shoppers to purchase produce.

3:00 - 4:00 PM Embassy of Chile Briefing
1736 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036

Andres Rodriguez, Agricultural Attaché, Embassy of Chile

4:30 PM - 7:00 PM

The Joy of Fresh on Capitol Hill Happy Hour Reception
Formerly Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill
Eastern Market, 225 Seventh Street, SE Washington, DC 20003

Happy Hour Reception for The Washington Conference and DC Influencers
The Joy of Fresh

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

FreshPAC Reception & Dinner*

(*Separately Ticketed Event)
Charlie Palmers Rooftop Terrace

Make an impact today. Now more than ever, it's time to help shape government policy to drive produce industry growth and success. FreshPAC is an opportunity to help elect and re-elect pro-produce candidates. Please reach out to Angela Tiwari if you are interested in receiving additional information about the FreshPAC.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

General Session Breakfast

Independence Ballroom A

Breaking News: Just days ago, USDA announced investing up to $2.8 billion in 70 selected projects under the first Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities funding pool. Join grant recipients from across the country, who will introduce you to exciting projects focused on specialty crops. We will compare goals and objectives, seek areas of collaboration and synergy to ensure that the projects provide maximum benefit to the entire industry as it adjusts to the realities of the changing climate, consumer, investor and retailer demands for food grown with sustainable practices.

Join your congressional visit team leader and fellow teammates at your team numbered table. This session will feature the presentation of The Advocate of the Year Award. Each year, we recognize an organization that has gone above and beyond in advocacy on behalf of the fresh produce industry. Join us in celebrating this year's award winner! We'll also recognize the recipients of the 2022 Frieda Rapoport Caplan Family Business Scholarships.

9:45 AM - 11:15 AM

Concurrent Education Roundtables

FDA Foods Program Review: Make Your Voice Heard
Be a part of the FDA review process. FDA has asked the Reagan-Udall Foundation to conduct a "top to bottom" review of the human foods programs at the agency. The review will evaluate FDA's structure, function, funding and leadership – areas that produce industry members have opinions on. Come prepared with specific examples that will shape IFPA's input as the Foundation contemplates opportunities for FDA improvement.

DeAnn Davis, SVP Science, Western Growers
Donna Garren, EVP Science and Policy, American Frozen Food Institute
Brian Ronholm, Director Food Policy, Consumer Reports

The Role of Produce in Organic Policy & Politics
Join George Szczepanski, IFPA's Director of Production, Supply Chain & Environmental Policy for this unique and lively discussion with industry experts. You'll learn more about IFPA's goal to empower our members to thrive in the organics industry, and to help them craft their messaging to regulators, legislators, and across the supply chain. IFPA knows that the ultimate success of organic produce is measured by the demand for it and its availability to the consumer. This requires organics to be better understood, appropriately regulated, and broadly supported by consumers, confident in its safety and value. IFPA is uniquely positioned to support all of our members in pursuit of success in the organics space, and this includes strengthening and refining our members' voices whenever and wherever they're making themselves heard.

Host: George Szczepanski, Director of Production, Supply Chain & Environmental Policy

Participants:

Karen Carr, Partner, ArentFox Schiff
Logan Petry, Ranch Manager, Grimmway
Kate Tynan, Senior Vice President, Northwest Horticultural Council

The Next Wave of Produce Advocacy: Indoor Ag
Join Vonnie Estes, IFPA's Vice President of AgFood Tech Innovation as she leads a discussion with indoor ag experts. You'll learn what you need to know about trends in regulation and the increased importance of and attention paid to sustainability, specifically as it relates to indoor ag. Find out how government investments in urban agriculture, sustainability and alternative energy will impact CEA/indoor ag, and then discover more about indoor ag technology as we delve into the challenges of controlled environments, plant genetics and modern biotechnology's impact on our food supply.

Host: Vonnie Estes, Vice President of AgFood Tech Innovation, IFPA

Participants:

Joseph E. Munyaneza, PhD, National Program Leader for Specialty Crops, Agricultural Research Service, USDA
John Purcell, Chief Strategy Officer, Unfold
Katie Seawell, Chief Commercial Officer, Bowery Farming

Climate-Smart Agriculture: What is the Government's Role?
The recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act provides USDA with $20 billion to support the adoption of climate-smart conservation practices on farms. This comes as USDA is expected to award $1 billion into pilot projects through the Department's Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities initiative. How will this investment, EU Green Deal and the Inflation Reduction Act impact horticulture around the world? Join IFPA's Chief Science Officer Max Teplitski as he leads a discussion with the industry and government experts.

Host: Max Teplitski, Chief Science Officer, IFPA

Participants:

Alyssa Charney, Chief of Staff, Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA
Nikki Cossio, Chair, IFPA Sustainability Council, Founder & CEO, Measure to Improve
Andrew Lentz, Director of Federal Affairs, Agriculture Policy, Environmental Defense Fund
Xavier Roussel, Chief Marketing and Sustainability, Dole Food Company, Inc.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

2022 Election Insights General Session Lunch

Keynote Speakers:

Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA), United States House of Representatives
Nathan Gonzales, Editor and Publisher, Inside Elections With Nathan L. Gonzales

As the lead Republican sponsor of the House-passed Farm Workforce Modernization Act, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) has been leading the charge for Senate action on companion legislation. Hear his strategy on driving change, close to the election cycle where historically Congress avoids this hot button issue, so Congress can approve a final bill and get the President's signature before the end of the year.

Following, enjoy lunch with your fellow advocates and then sit back and be both entertained and informed by Nathan Gonzales as he offers us thought-provoking, non-partisan insights on the current political environment. Nathan, a gifted communicator and political expert, will share what you absolutely need to know about the races you didn’t even know where happening. You'll also learn from a luncheon-friendly election “autopsy” – looking inside the latest races, projecting the outcomes, and helping you understand why all of this matters to you, just weeks before millions of Americans head to the polls on Election Day.

2:00 PM - 4:30 PM

March on Washington: Day 2 [Concurrent Events - Select ONE]

2:00 - 4:30 PM
U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Meetings

1:15 - 4:15 PM
International Trade Briefing
Join the conversation with United States Trade Representatives and the Embassies of Colombia, Mexico and Australia. Over the next 3 hours attendees will get to sit down with senior government leaders to discuss the impact of trade negotiations, disputes and potential solutions that can serve global consumers and producers. Individual countries will share their insights and perspectives on the trends likely to shape future investments and trade.

1:15 -2:15 PM
United States Trade Representative Briefing

Julie E Callahan, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Agricultural Affairs and Commodity Policy, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

2:00 - 3:00 PM
Embassy of Colombia
Luis Gilberto Murillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the United States
Luis Ernesto Forero, Agricultural and SPS Representative of ProColombia

2:45 - 3:15 PM
Embassy of Mexico Briefing

Luis Martinez, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, Embassy of Mexico
Mariana Lira, Counselor for Agricultural Affairs, Embassy of Mexico

3:15 - 3:45 PM
Embassy of Australia

Farragut Square/Lafayette Square, Level 5B, Grand Hyatt

Matthew Worrell, Minister Counsellor for Agriculture, Embassy of Australia
Jesse Mahoney, Counsellor for Agriculture, Embassy of Australia

Conference Ends

12:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Produce GAPs Harmonized Audit Working Group (Invite Only)

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Political Advisory Committee

The Washington Conference

Schedule of Events

Monday, September 26, 2022

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Wednesday, September 28, 2022