Senators Stabenow, Perdue To Speak Before Produce Industry Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C  – Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan) and David Perdue (R-Georgia) will address over 500 produce industry executives on Congress’s efforts tackling child nutrition reauthorization, implementing the 2014 Farm Bill and reforming immigration policies, during the general session breakfast on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, at the United Fresh 2015 Washington Conference.

“Representing states where agriculture is a leading economic driver, Senators Perdue and Stabenow appreciate the complex labor and regulatory challenges facing the produce industry as it provides Americans with an abundant, nutritious and safe supply of fruits and vegetables. Their efforts in working across both sides of the political aisle on a wide range of policies and regulations impacting consumers will provide attendees an up-close look at the realities of the policymaking process to help us shape a better business environment,” said Robert Guenther, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, United Fresh.

Attendees will hear first from Senator David Perdue, a member of the U.S.Senate Agriculture Committee, Budget Committee and Judiciary Committee. Senator Perdue who has been an ardent supporter of the Georgia fruit and vegetable industry during his election and time in the Senate has a keen understanding of business issues that not only impact growers in the seventh-largest fruit and vegetable producing state, but also wholesalers, distributors, retailers and other businesses throughout the supply chain across the country. Growing up on a family farm and working in the private sector for more than 40 years before being elected to the Senate, Perdue unique perspective to Congress. Senator Perdue will touch on key issues impacting our industry including immigration reform, agriculture, and nutrition policy. This will be his first major speech before the broader fruit and vegetable industry and comes at a critical time as Congress considers these important issues that impact the entire supply chain over the next several months.

As Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and a member of the Senate Energy, Finance, and Budget Committees, Senator Stabenow plays a lead role in shaping national agriculture and nutrition policy and is an advocate for healthier school meals including more fresh fruits and vegetables. Throughout her tenure in both the House and Senate, she is recognized for co-authoring the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program in the 2002 Farm Bill (which was subsequently made permanent in the 2004 Child Nutrition Reauthorization and expanded nationwide in the 2008 Farm Bill); leading the passage of the bipartisan 2014 Farm Bill; and developing legislation to help producers and food processors comply with new FDA food safety regulations.

The United Fresh Washington Conference brings together top industry executives for strategic, face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress and regulatory officials, dynamic education sessions and engaging networking activities to shape a better business future. Media are invited to attend but must pre-register by contacting Mary Coppola at 202.303.3425 or emailing mcoppola@unitedfresh.org or Jill Talley at 202.303.3405 or jtalley@unitedfresh.org.

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About the United Fresh Produce Association

Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. Through these endeavors, we unite out industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org.

Source: United Fresh Produce Association