United's Kam Quarles talks with Martha Coven, special assistant to the president for the Domestic Policy Council, and Greg Nelson, associate director for energy, environment and technology at the White House Office of Public Liaison, during the White House Policy Briefing at the Mayflower Hotel.

Nutrition remained a theme for presentations and discussions at Friday morning’s WPPC in Washington. FDA Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg presented remarks at an early (7am) breakfast session. She underscored the important role that fruits and vegetables play in improving the health of Americans. Of course, food safety was a topic for her presentation, and Dr. Hamburg said she looked forward to working with the industry on ways to bolster food safety.

Following the breakfast, some attendees visited the Canadian Embassy for a briefing on the Canadian industry, and tips for exporters and importers. This informative session was co hosted by the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and with the generous assistance of the embassy staff.

Those who stayed at the host hotel got to hear a briefing from White House staff on nutrition and environmental initiatives. Greg Nelson, associate director for energy, environment and technology at the White House Office of Public Liaison, spoke about goals on climate change environmentally friendly packaging and managing energy costs. 

Also at the briefing, Martha Coven, special assistant to the president on the Domestic Policy Council, shared the administration’s desire for more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in children’s diets, including schools. She is a mother of young twins who cite broccoli as a favorite food/snack. Coven said she thinks that’s a good sign, but she said to ask her a year from now if her youngsters have picked new favorites.

Everyone is looking forward to hearing CNN’s Paul Begala’s lunch presentation on the political landscape in Washington. It’s the official closing of the conference, with final remarks and perspectives from United Chairman Jim Lemke.