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

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

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

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

Keynote: Kyle Diamantas, Deputy Commissioner, FDA Human Foods Program

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

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

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: Eric Stevens, 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, 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.

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

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

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

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open

8:00 A.M. - 8:45 A.M.

Capitol Hill Kickstart: Rise & Shine Welcome Meet Up

Empowering First-Time Attendees to Connect, Share, and Navigate Capitol Hill

Welcome, first-time attendees! Start your day connecting 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.

8:45 A.M. - 10:30 P.M.

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

Setting the Policy Stage for Produce & Floral

This session sets the stage for a pivotal day, framing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for industry stakeholders and advocates. 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.

Following Cathy's keynote, attendees will gain a high-level perspective on today's dynamic policy environment. This session will reinforce the profound impact of member engagement and set a motivating tone for advocacy.

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

Morning Break

10:45 A.M. - 12:15 P.M.

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

Administration Official Insights & Fireside Chats on 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.

We will then transition into two fireside chats focused on Trade and Regenerative Agriculture, two 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.

12:30 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.

Lunch General Session

A senior official will join us to offer invaluable insights on the current federal policy landscape, highlighting how industry priorities fit into broader government initiatives and challenges.

1:30 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

The 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.

Labor

1:50 PM – 2:10 PM

Pass guestworker visa reform

Speaker: Kate Tynan, Senior Vice President, Northwest Horticultural Council

Food Safety

2:10 PM – 2:30 PM

FDA Funding and State Inspection Capacity

Speakers:

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

Nutrition

2:30 PM – 2:50 PM

Speakers:

Mollie Van Lieu, IFPA
Alison Hard, MS RD, National WIC Association
Stephanie Johnson, RDN, National Grocers Association

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

2:50 PM – 3:10 PM

Speakers:

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

Prioritizing Production Profitability: Economic Conditions

3:10 PM – 3:30 PM

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

U.S. Farm Bill

3:30 PM – 3:50 PM

Speakers:

Rachel Roberts, President, American Mushroom Institute
Kasey Cronquist, President, North American Blueberry Council
Kam Quarles, CEO, National Potato Council

Congressional Meeting Team Huddles

3:50 PM – 4:20 PM

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)

Keynote: Chair, GT Thompson, House Agriculture Committee

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. or more information please contact Mica Hider.

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

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

Registration Open

8:15 A.M. - 9:30 A.M.

General Session & Breakfast - Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill
(Mandatory Session)

Must attend morning! This required morning 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. Start with insider’s view of Capitol Hill through a U.S. Representative keynote, providing timely context. Following The Soapbox concierge scheduling team will share with you directly your final printed meeting schedule, make any last‑minute adjustments to your hill day individual schedule and depart with your congressional meeting teammates.

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.

The Washington Conference

Schedule of Events

Monday, June 8, 2026

Washington Conference Registration Open

Volunteer Leadership Meetings

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

Welcome Reception

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Washington Conference Registration Desk Open

Capitol Hill Kickstart: Rise & Shine Welcome Meet Up

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

Morning Break

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

Lunch General Session

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

Labor

Food Safety

Nutrition

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Prioritizing Production Profitability: Economic Conditions

U.S. Farm Bill

Congressional Meeting Team Huddles

The Joy of Fresh: Capitol Hill Reception

FreshPAC Reception and Dinner (invitation only)

Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Registration Open

General Session & Breakfast - Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill(Mandatory Session)

Travel to Congressional Meetings - self travel, no buses

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

General Session & Breakfast - Fight for Fresh on Capitol Hill
(Mandatory Session)

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