"These leading companies make an impact and drive the industry forward," said Robert Guenther, United’s senior vice president of public policy. "We look forward to accepting and reviewing the nominations in what will assuredly be, as it has been for the past decade, a very competitive, devoted and deserving group."

The award is given each year to a United Fresh member, and selected based on the candidate’s demonstration of outstanding support for public policy advocacy with elected leaders in Washington; diligent work on federal policy objectives to advance the fresh produce industry; and active involvement with produce industry political initiatives such as the Washington Public Policy Conference, Grassroots Action Network and United FreshPAC.

Past Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award winners include:

2010 - C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.

2009 - Pro*Act, LLC
2008 - Walter P. Rawl & Sons
2007 - New York Apple Association, Inc.
2006 - Sunkist Growers, Inc.
2005 - L & M Companies
2004 - Produce for Better Health Foundation
2003 - Tanimura & Antle
2002 - Capital City Fruit Company, Inc

For more information on the United Fresh Produce Industry Advocate of the Year Award, contact Angela Tiwari at 202-303-3400, ext. 416.