IFPA chief executive says the need for the industry to innovate and expand its influence has been brought into sharp focus recently
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) gathered fresh produce and floral industry leaders this week for The Washington Conference, rallying members to champion public health, economic vitality, and global trade through the power of fresh.
Addressing attendees before they met with more than 185 congressional offices, IFPA chief executive Cathy Burns called on the industry to join in the “fight for fresh”.
“The need to expand our influence, innovate and future proof our industry has been brought to the forefront very quickly these past months,” said Burns.
“Producers are struggling for their businesses to survive, even as consumers in this country – and around the world – are seeking healthy, delicious food options.”
While fresh produce and floral products “fit hand in glove” with Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) goals to improve public health, Burns noted there are proposals in Washington to restrict programmes that increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for many US consumers.
For example. proposed cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would drastically reduce monthly fruit and vegetable benefits from US$54 to US$13 for women, and from US$27 to US$10 for children.
“Any conversations related to health need to come back to the benefits of fruit and vegetables to prevent chronic disease,” Burns outlined.
She also urged members to share personal stories about the challenges of supplying fresh produce and floral products, especially around reliable access to on-farm labour.
“Your data and personal stories are powerful to policymakers,” she said, noting that these real-world truths give life to the industry’s positions on critical issues like trade, labour, food safety, health and nutrition.
Over two days of congressional meetings, industry leaders met with lawmakers to discuss urgent policy priorities at the conference.
These priorities included Farm Bill programmes, workforce challenges, nutrition and growing consumption, food safety, and trade.
