Reps. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and David Valadao (R-CA) will address more than 500 produce industry professionals on Congress’s efforts tackling child nutrition and much-needed drought relief assistance on Tuesday, Sept. 29, during the General Session Luncheon at the 2015 United Fresh Washington Conference.

“With constituents spanning all facets of the vast produce industry, Reps. Ryan and Valadao understand the importance of the industry to the nation’s economy and appreciate the unique business challenges we faces to provide Americans with an abundant, nutritious and safe supply of fruits and vegetables," Robert Guenther, United Fresh’s senior vice president of public policy, said in a press release. "From increasing produce consumption to addressing critical environmental and regulatory challenges, these important policy issues affect consumers and industry members across the country. We are honored that they will both be joining us to discuss these critical issues and what Congress is doing to help shape a better business environment.”

Rep. Ryan introduced the Salad Bar in Schools Expansion Act this June, which establishes grant funding to provide training, technical assistance and placement of salad bars in elementary, middle and high schools across the country; ensures the U.S. Department of Agriculture is proactive in promoting school salad bars; and allows schools flexibility to use federal funding for cafeteria equipment to purchase salad bars. In July, Rep. Valadao introduced the Western Water & American Food Security Act to provide relief to thousands of farmers, growers and business owners negatively affected by the historic drought in California and other parts of the western United States.

This year, Washington Conference attendees will take part in strategic, face-to-face dialogue with key members of Congress, their staff and top regulatory officials. The event includes education sessions on today’s issues facing the industry and various networking activities with industry peers.

In addition to the presentation from Reps. Ryan and Valadao, attendees will hear from General Michael Hayden, former director of both the CIA and NSA; a panel of school foodservice directors diving into the details of school lunch requirements; Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and political personality Tucker Carlson.