Bakers Bring a Unified Industry Voice to Washington at 2026 Bakers Fly-In

Baking industry leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., the week of Sept. 13 for the 2026 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, hosted by the American Bakers Association (ABA) in partnership with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and the American Society of Baking (ASB).

Bakers and suppliers connected directly with policymakers to advocate for the industry’s priorities and share the Baking Feeds America advocacy campaign, highlighting how the industry nourishes families, creates jobs, supports communities, and contributes to the nation’s economy.

Representing the commercial and retail baking industries, 100 baking leaders brought a unified message directly to Capitol Hill, meeting with approximately 100 congressional offices to discuss the policy issues shaping the future of this critical sector.

The event featured special sessions with Acting Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Kyle Diamantas, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Department of Labor Chief of Staff Courtney Walter, and Representative Tony Wied (WI-08).

Programming also included expert speakers Miriam Guggenheim, Partner and Co-Chair of Covington & Burling LLP’s Food, Drug and Device Practice Group; Ryan Snyder, Director of Governmental and Legislative Affairs for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation; Arun Venkataraman, Partner at Covington & Burling LLP; and Danielle Waterfield, Policy Director and General Counsel at AMERIPEN.

Baking industry leaders carried the Baking Feeds America message directly to policymakers, reinforcing the important role bread and baked goods play in American diets, families, and communities.

Participants highlighted that baked goods are found in nearly 99% of American households and that enriched and whole-grain breads are important sources of fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins, and other essential nutrients.

The campaign amplified that message across Washington through advertisements at Reagan National Airport, bus shelters, a mobile digital billboard, and materials provided to congressional offices, ensuring the industry’s story was visible both inside and outside the halls of Congress.

FTRAC Professionals Group Conference

The Food Technical and Regulatory Affairs Professionals Group (FTRAC) Professionals Group Conference concluded the week by bringing together baker and supplier leaders to examine the regulatory, food safety, and nutrition issues shaping baked goods.

Dr. David Acheson, a former FDA Associate Commissioner for Foods and currently the President & CEO of The Acheson Group, shared his insights on how to manage supplier-driven food safety issues.

Erin Ball, President of the Grain Foods Research Institute, and Shelley Maniscalco, Partner at Nutrition In Demand, presented new research.

Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, President and CEO of the International Food Information Council (IFIC), shared the latest consumer research and insights on how Americans understand and perceive food processing.

Additionally, attendees received timely updates on policy issues during a rapidly changing environment.

NextGenBaker Leadership Forum

Also happening concurrently with the Bakers Fly-In, ABA’s NextGenBaker Leadership Forum convened high-potential professionals from baker and supplier companies for leadership development, industry education, and relationship building.

Keynote speaker Marc Palatucci of Future Today Strategy Group led interactive programming focused on strategic foresight and scenario planning, providing participants with practical tools to navigate uncertainty and make more informed decisions about the future.

The Forum also provided emerging leaders with firsthand advocacy experience as attendees participated in the Fly-In congressional meetings.

“The baking industry has an incredible story to tell, and our advocacy communications campaign, Baking Feeds America, is helping us tell it in a bigger, more visible way,” said ABA President and CEO Eric Dell.

“This week, commercial and retail baking leaders came together to tell that story directly to policymakers, demonstrating the strength of our collective voice and the impact we can have when we advocate for our industry.”

“Bringing baking professionals together in Washington strengthens the connections and collective voice needed to advance our industry,” said Kristen Spriggs, ASB CEO.

“Through our partnership with ABA and RBA, leaders from across the baking community can share real-world perspectives with policymakers and demonstrate why the issues being debated in Washington matter to baking businesses, their employees, and the communities they serve.”

“Retail bakeries are so much more than the products we make. They create jobs, support local economies, and are often true gathering places in their communities,” said Marissa Sertich, Executive Director of RBA.

“The Bakers Fly-In gives retail bakers an opportunity to share those stories directly with policymakers and make sure the voice of small bakery businesses is represented in the conversations and decisions that impact our industry.”

About the American Bakers Association

The American Bakers Association (ABA) is the largest and most established trade association for the commercial baking industry in the United States. ABA’s community includes more than 350 baker and allied member companies, representing thousands of commercial baking manufacturing locations across the nation.

Since 1897, ABA has served as the voice of the baking industry, offering compelling advocacy, insightful thought leadership, and comprehensive research on industry trends.

ABA members also benefit from extensive business services, including premier networking events, impactful knowledge sharing, and effective workforce development programs and training resources.

ABA is committed to enhancing its mission by growing the category and promoting the industry as the destination workplace. In 2025, ABA earned the prestigious Great Place To Work® Certification, underscoring its commitment to delivering on the Higher Level Impact strategic objective by fostering a strong internal culture that drives excellence for the commercial baking industry.

About the American Society of Baking

The American Society of Baking (ASB) is a respected industry partner dedicated to advancing technical excellence and workforce development in commercial baking.

Through strategic collaboration and targeted education initiatives, ASB supports baking professionals and organizations working to produce safe, wholesome, and high-quality baked goods.

ASB’s programs are designed to strengthen the industry today while preparing the next generation of technical leaders.

About the Retail Bakers of America

The Retail Bakers of America (RBA) is a national trade association dedicated to supporting the success and growth of the retail baking industry.

RBA connects, educates, and supports a community of bakery owners, operators, and bakers through professional education, certification, business resources, and industry events.

Through programs including RBA’s nationally recognized certification program, Business of Baking education, industry Roadshows, webinars, and online learning, RBA provides practical resources and opportunities to connect that help baking professionals strengthen their skills, grow their businesses, and learn from one another.

RBA is committed to creating a lasting, profitable future in baking.