The United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference, scheduled for September 14-16, 2010 in Washington, DC, will focus on the fresh-cut segment and on small farms, local and regional food systems and pesticide residues.

During the three day conference, United Fresh will offer four Market Segment Breakout Sessions.  

The Grower-Shipper session will focus on getting back to the real science behind pesticide residues, while the Fresh-Cut Processor session will discuss the image of fresh-cut and legislative/regulatory ramifications.  The Retail-Foodservice session will focus on the role of buyers in assuring small farm food safety and the Wholesaler-Distributor session will discuss the role of wholesalers and distributors as the key to regional food systems.

“This allows us to take the very tangible concerns that our members have about these issues and address them in a constructive, smaller-group setting,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. 

“Starting with food safety, each of these issues is of extreme importance to our industry, yet each carries with it a certain amount of confusion. These breakout sessions give us the chance to educate the industry, while at the same time clearing up any misconception,” Stenzel commented.

The Washington Public Policy Conference is an annual meeting where attendees gather to discuss food safety, farm labor, nutrition and consumption, locally grown, and other priority issues for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry.  

During the conference, attendees will also participate in a March on Capitol Hill, where industry members will meet with lawmakers and staff; discuss food safety policies with FDA officials, hear from key Cabinet members, and engage in face-to-face dialog with President Obama’s executive team.

In addition, the conference will feature a Management Resource Center, which enables attendees to research and explore new solutions and technology providers.  The Fresh Festival, where House and Senate lawmakers and their staff join attendees to sample various fruits and vegetables the produce industry has to offer, will also happen during the three days.

This year’s meeting will be held at the Gaylord National Hotel in the Nation’s Capitol.  

For more information on this year’s Washington Public Policy Conference, please see the United Fresh Website.