WASHINGTON, DC – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack will address the immediate need for passage of immigration reform legislation and the Farm Bill at the Opening General Session Breakfast of United’s Washington Public Policy Conference on Tuesday, October 1. Secretary Vilsack’s address comes at a critical time as lawmakers work to reconcile two very different versions of the Farm Bill, as well as pass an immigration reform measure in the House to ensure a stable workforce for the produce industry.
“We are very pleased to have Secretary Vilsack speaking to United Fresh members as our industry works for passage of the Farm Bill and immigration reform legislation,” said United Fresh Produce Association CEO Tom Stenzel. “Secretary Vilsack provides an important voice on how we can advance legislation that is fundamental to our success as an industry.”
Secretary Vilsack also leads national efforts to provide safe, sufficient and nutritious food for the American people. Vilsack and the USDA have been integral to improving child nutrition in schools across the country through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. Further, the USDA’s new Smart Snacks in School nutrition standards support the availability of more healthful school snack foods to children.
Before coming to DC, Secretary Vilsack served in almost every level of government. He began in the role of mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, served in Iowa’s Senate from 1993 to 1999 and then served as Iowa’s governor from 1999 to 2007, Iowa’s first Democratic governor in more than 30 years.
Secretary Vilsack’s address will open the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference, which brings together produce industry leaders to advocate on Capitol Hill for vital public policies needed to keep America’s produce industry competitive. During the conference, produce industry leaders meet with key members of Congress and their staffs, as well as officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
To learn more about the United Fresh Washington Public Policy Conference, visit the United Fresh website at www.unitedfresh.org/wppc. If you have questions, please contact United’s Angela Tiwari, Political Affairs Manager, at atiwari@unitedfresh.org or 202-303-3416.
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
