In central California this week, Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Representatives Sam Farr (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA) and Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) joined United Fresh Senior Vice President of Public Policy Robert Guenther, Vice President of Nutrition and Health Dr. Lorelei DiSogra and Vice President of Membership Jeff Oberman for tours of several California United Fresh members.

The group visited Bee Sweet Citrus in Fowler, Fowler Packing Company in Fresno, and Fresh Express and Tanimura and Antle in Salinas, as well as the Merced County Fairgrounds to see the operations of United Fresh members and discuss priority issues for the industry, including labor, family businesses and farm bill provisions for produce.

"It's a significant opportunity for legislators like Senator Stabenow to come out and interact with businesses outside their own district," said Guenther. "Visiting with companies on the ground level, in their respective elements, allows legislators to understand the opportunities and challenges faced by our industry, as well as the direct impact of the legislation that those lawmakers impose in Washington."

In addition to the facility tours, the group attended political fundraising events organized by United members, including California Citrus Mutual, California Grape and Tree Fruit League and Tanimura & Antle.