Food Safety & Immigration Topic of Next Week's Political Agenda
May 11, 2007
Hundreds of produce industry members will come to the nation's capital next week to talk about two key issues currently impacting the industry: food safety and immigration reform. On Tuesday, a panel of produce industry representatives will testify before the House Agriculture Committee's Horticulture and Organic Subcommittee to elaborate on the industry's commitment to fresh produce safety. United Fresh Board Member, Dr. Bob Whitaker, vice president of processing and technology for NewStar Fresh Foods in Salinas, will testify at the hearing. This will mark the fourth time that United Fresh representatives have testified before Congress since September 2006. Other participants in the hearing will include representatives from Western Growers, Produce Marketing Association, and Florida Tomato Exchange. On Wednesday, the agriculture immigration fly-in will commence as representatives from 21 states representing many produce commodities as well as dairy, wine, and greenhouse/nursery operations come to DC to discuss the need for immigration reform. "We appreciate everyone's support in attending this critically important event," said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy. "This could be a defining point in the reform process as the Senate begins to debate the issue." United Fresh, U.S. Apple, ANLA, Western Growers, and the Society of American Florists, in conjunction with ACIR and NCAE have organized the Immigration Lobby Day, set for Wednesday, May 16. Registration is free and there is still time to sign up; click here for more information or contact Robert Guenther at (202) 303-3409.
United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202 303 3400
Fax: 202 303 3433 united@unitedfresh.org
