Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and David Perdue (R-GA) 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, Sept. 30 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," Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy at United Fresh, said in a press release. "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.”

Attendees will hear first from Sen. Perdue, a member of the U.S. Senate agriculture committee, budget committee and judiciary committee. Sen. 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, Sen. Perdue brings a unique perspective to Congress. He will touch on key issues affecting the produce 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 affect 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, Sen. 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 & 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.