Timing of United's Washington conference key as critical votes planned on ag issues
Timing of United's Washington conference key as critical votes planned on ag issues
WASHINGTON -- This year's Washington Public Policy Conference could not come at a better time for members of the United Fresh Produce Association, as Congress is knee-deep in critical issues that are slated for decisive votes in the coming weeks.
"Conference attendees will be talking to members of Congress and staffers at a critical time," Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in referring to the Sept. 11-14 meeting.
"Fruits and vegetables are very close to being allowed into the WIC program, Congress is proposing food-safety legislation, immigration reform is far from dead and the Senate is debating our farm bill priorities that will drive investment in our industry for years to come," Mr. Stenzel said. "This is a pivotal juncture in history for produce industry members to be heard in Washington, DC."
The association just learned that the White House's budget office cleared the WIC rule, which moves the long-awaited rule closer to finishing its government review.
"This means that some time between the end of September and the end of November, this process, which started almost 10 years ago, will be finished, and WIC moms and kids will finally have access to fruits and vegetables," said Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for United.
Nutrition programs are one of the top priorities for produce business lobbyists at the September meeting.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will deliver the opening keynote address Sept. 13 and share his insights into the future of the 2007 farm bill and the administration's position on critical industry issues such as immigration reform and nutrition policy, according to United.
This year's conference includes a new session -- in a "Meet the Press" format -- for the estimated 300 members who are expected to attend the Washington meeting.
Attendees will hear from top agricultural reporters who cover Capitol Hill on a daily basis to understand more about their jobs and to gain a different perspective on the issues, said Amy Philpott of United. Washington Post reporter Dan Morgan, Congressional Quarterly reporter Catharine Richert and National Journal Contributing Editor Jerry Hagstrom will field questions from the group on issues such as immigration reform, the farm bill and food- safety legislation.
This year, United is introducing a new educational session with a business- focused briefing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to meet with senior USDA officials on key issues. Sponsored by the National Watermelon Association, the session includes a watermelon tasting and a visit from the watermelon queen.
The group also has invited former Sen. George Allen to speak at the annual FreshPAC dinner and MSNBC host Tucker Carlson to speak at the final session. Both are expected to participate in a candid discussion on a broad range of issues, said Ms. Philpott.
But at the heart of the Washington meeting are the congressional visits, where produce business leaders will speak with congressional staff and, if they're lucky, to lawmakers on pressing issues.
"The real value is in the exchange between Congress and the industry," said Ms. Philpott, who added that the congressional visits educate the industry on what needs to be done to influence Washington and educate Congress on the ramifications of federal legislation.
Before that, the group will move into breakout sessions that delve into the latest developments in the future of federal nutrition programs, immigration reform, 2007 farm bill and food-safety legislation -- all in preparation for the congressional office visits.
"The timing is perfect," said Ms. Philpott. "There are so many issues coming to a head right now."
"Conference attendees will be talking to members of Congress and staffers at a critical time," Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in referring to the Sept. 11-14 meeting.
"Fruits and vegetables are very close to being allowed into the WIC program, Congress is proposing food-safety legislation, immigration reform is far from dead and the Senate is debating our farm bill priorities that will drive investment in our industry for years to come," Mr. Stenzel said. "This is a pivotal juncture in history for produce industry members to be heard in Washington, DC."
The association just learned that the White House's budget office cleared the WIC rule, which moves the long-awaited rule closer to finishing its government review.
"This means that some time between the end of September and the end of November, this process, which started almost 10 years ago, will be finished, and WIC moms and kids will finally have access to fruits and vegetables," said Lorelei DiSogra, vice president of nutrition and health for United.
Nutrition programs are one of the top priorities for produce business lobbyists at the September meeting.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns will deliver the opening keynote address Sept. 13 and share his insights into the future of the 2007 farm bill and the administration's position on critical industry issues such as immigration reform and nutrition policy, according to United.
This year's conference includes a new session -- in a "Meet the Press" format -- for the estimated 300 members who are expected to attend the Washington meeting.
Attendees will hear from top agricultural reporters who cover Capitol Hill on a daily basis to understand more about their jobs and to gain a different perspective on the issues, said Amy Philpott of United. Washington Post reporter Dan Morgan, Congressional Quarterly reporter Catharine Richert and National Journal Contributing Editor Jerry Hagstrom will field questions from the group on issues such as immigration reform, the farm bill and food- safety legislation.
This year, United is introducing a new educational session with a business- focused briefing at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to meet with senior USDA officials on key issues. Sponsored by the National Watermelon Association, the session includes a watermelon tasting and a visit from the watermelon queen.
The group also has invited former Sen. George Allen to speak at the annual FreshPAC dinner and MSNBC host Tucker Carlson to speak at the final session. Both are expected to participate in a candid discussion on a broad range of issues, said Ms. Philpott.
But at the heart of the Washington meeting are the congressional visits, where produce business leaders will speak with congressional staff and, if they're lucky, to lawmakers on pressing issues.
"The real value is in the exchange between Congress and the industry," said Ms. Philpott, who added that the congressional visits educate the industry on what needs to be done to influence Washington and educate Congress on the ramifications of federal legislation.
Before that, the group will move into breakout sessions that delve into the latest developments in the future of federal nutrition programs, immigration reform, 2007 farm bill and food-safety legislation -- all in preparation for the congressional office visits.
"The timing is perfect," said Ms. Philpott. "There are so many issues coming to a head right now."
