WASHINGTON, DC – A long-time champion of the produce and agriculture industries, U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) will receive the United Fresh Congressional Leadership Award Tuesday, September 9 during the General Session Breakfast at The Washington Conference. United Fresh will honor Rep. Hastings for his work representing produce industry interests, including his service as co-chair of the House Specialty Crop Caucus and his leadership on immigration reform and multiple Farm Bills.
“Doc Hastings has been a steady advocate for the produce industry in Congress,” said United Fresh Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther. “With United’s Congressional Leadership Award, we recognize Rep. Hastings’ many years of work to represent the interests of the produce industry in his state and across the country. We need more like him on Capitol Hill.”
United Fresh presents its Congressional Leadership Award to show special recognition to lawmakers who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to representing the interests of the fresh produce industry.
Rep. Hastings will be a featured speaker at the General Session Breakfast, where he will provide an update on key legislative priorities, including immigration reform, nutrition and implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Additionally, he will update conference attendees on the prospects of California drought legislation currently under negotiation in Congress.
Rep. Hastings’ address is one of the multiple educational opportunities at the conference, September 8-10, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Attendees will gather for educational sessions and discussions on food safety, immigration reform, nutrition policy, GMOs, international trade and other priority issues for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. During the annual March on Capitol Hill, industry members will have the unique opportunity to meet with key lawmakers and staff, as well as top regulatory officials. Attendees can also participate in United’s FDA Forum, where they can meet with FDA officials and hear updates on how regulations for the Food Safety Modernization Act can affect their produce operations.
For more information on The Washington Conference, please contact Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3400, ext. 416 or atiwari@unitedfresh.org or visit United’s website at www.unitedfresh.org/twc.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association