United Fresh, in partnership with the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) will host a special educational session on Friday, September 11 at the Canadian Embassy in Washington.

As one of three concurrent field educational sessions during this year's Washington Public Policy Conference, the embassy visit will give attendees the opportunity to meet with Canadian agricultural officials and discuss trade matters between the two countries. CPMA Chairman Adrian Abbott of BC Treefruit will welcome attendees and moderate the event.

"We appreciate CPMA joining us to host this event," said Robert Guenther, United's senior vice president of public policy. "This briefing will offer our US members who are either conducting business in Canada or who may be considering exporting products to Canada a better understanding of the Canadian standards and processes. The event will also offer them tips and ideas to ensure that the process is easier, as well as provide a point-of-contact and someone that they can ask specific questions."

"The produce trade between Canada and the United States is important to both countries," said Jane Proctor, CPMA vice president of policy and issue management. "We share many common interests from ensuring consistent government rules on matters such as food safety and inspections, to facilitating standardized best practices in the marketplace."

CPMA members will receive the United Fresh member rate for registration to the WPPC, which is already set to include a busy schedule of events, including a keynote address from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, the annual Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill with honorary co-hosts Sens. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Reps. Colin Peterson (D-MN), John Lucas (R-OK), Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL), as well as a luncheon general session featuring CNN analyst and pundit Paul Begala.

For more information on the Washington Public Policy Conference, please contact Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400 ext. 416.