In light of the recent attention given to reports of detectable pesticide residues in fresh fruits and vegetables, and speculation on the effects of such residues, the United Fresh Produce Association’s Grower-Shipper Market Segment Board will hold an educational session, Getting Back to Real Science on Pesticide Residues, on during next month’s Washington Public Policy Conference.

Speakers on the panel include Larry Elworth, chief agricultural counselor to the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, David Barney, business development manager for Bakkavor’s United Kingdom prepared foods operation and Cindy Jewell, director of marketing for California Giant Berry Farms. The session will be moderated by Northwest Horticultural Council President Christian Schlect.

          "Consumers and industry buyers are increasingly taking notice of news reports about pesticide residues on fresh produce and unfortunately, misinformation about pesticides can confuse consumers who are trying to increase produce consumption for better health," said Ray Gilmer, United Fresh vice president of communication. "When growers follow strict government standards, with resulting residues below levels the EPA determines to be safe, why do fears persist? How will these concerns affect retail and foodservice buying? How can the industry and regulators work together to bring science back into the picture? This discussion will tackle those challenging and frustrating questions, and provide real answers to a concerned industry."

"In the UK, pesticide residues are still an emotive subject," said Barney. "Despite the best efforts of producers and retailers, consumers don't understand the terminology used in quantifying residues—or the risks involved. As a result, we are very focused on minimizing the incidence of pesticide residues—however small."

"As a grower-shipper we are absolutely focused on working with our buyer partners in ensuring our consumers are confident in our products," said Jewell. "We also expect regulatory agencies to establish tolerances on pesticides and other crop protection tools based on scientific research, and to defend the science and regulations in places when challenged."

The educational session is one of the multiple development opportunities at the conference, September 14-16 at the Gaylord National Hotel on the banks of the Potomac River. During the three-day event, attendees will gather to discuss food safety, farm labor, nutrition and consumption, locally grown and other priority issues for the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. Attendees will hear from USDA Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), as well as political strategist and wordsmith Frank Luntz. During the annual March on Capitol Hill, industry members will have the unique opportunity to meet in person with lawmakers and staff, discuss food safety policies with FDA officials, hear from key Cabinet officials and engage in face-to-face dialogue with President Obama’s executive team. Additionally, top national journalists will discuss important policy issues and the value of relationships with the consumer media during the Fresh Press media roundtable.

This year’s conference will also include the return of the Management Resource Center, where attendees can research and explore new solutions and technology providers, and the popular Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, a favorite among industry members and congressional staffers alike. During Fresh Festival, House and Senate lawmakers and their staff join attendees to sample the various fruits and vegetables the produce industry has to offer. In addition to Fresh Festival, the conference will also include a New Orleans-themed cruise up the Potomac River to benefit United’s A Salad Bar in Every School campaign. As part of the build-up to the United Fresh 2011 convention and expo in New Orleans, guests will enjoy Dixieland jazz, dinner and waterfront views of Washington, D.C., all while raising funds to provide salad bars to schools in New Orleans and nationwide.

Registration is now open and more information may be found by contacting United Fresh Political Affairs Manager Angela Bezon at 202-303-3400, ext. 416 or abezon@unitedfresh.org, or by visiting http://www.unitedfresh.org.