Feb. 13, 2025 Washington, DC – The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) BB #:378962 congratulates Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture.
IFPA has a long history of collaborating with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to drive the growth and prosperity of the fresh produce industry while improving the health and well-being of all Americans.
“We look forward to working closely with Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership to champion initiatives that empower fresh produce businesses to thrive,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. “By working together, IFPA and USDA can support U.S. growers and promote better public health. Under Secretary Rollins’ leadership, USDA can ensure a strong, competitive, and sustainable fresh produce supply chain for both growers and consumers.”
As the largest and most diverse association representing the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain, IFPA is dedicated to advocating for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, enhance nutrition programs, and improve the economic viability of fresh produce businesses. IFPA looks forward to continued engagement with Secretary Rollins and USDA leadership to advance these priorities and build a vibrant future for the fresh produce industry.
IFPA also congratulates Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his confirmation as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). IFPA looks forward to working with Secretary Kennedy and HHS leadership to advance policies that expand access to fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables as a key strategy to improve public health.
“With diet-related diseases placing immense strain on our healthcare system, ensuring greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables must be a top national priority,” Burns said. “We are eager to collaborate with HHS and FDA to integrate produce into healthcare, improve food labeling transparency, and expand financial incentives that encourage healthier eating.”
IFPA looks forward to working with HHS to prioritize the following initiatives:
• Integrate Produce Prescriptions in Healthcare – Expanding produce prescriptions as a covered benefit in federal health programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and Indian Health Service can provide millions of Americans with better access to nutritious foods. HHS should ensure continued Medicaid 1115 waivers and prevent funding cuts that could hinder progress in addressing diet-related diseases.
• Enhance Nutrition Clarity in Food Labeling – Consumers deserve clear and transparent food labeling to make informed dietary choices. The FDA should require food products making fruit and vegetable claims to disclose actual quantities per serving and mandate “contains no fruits and vegetables” labels for misleading products. Strengthening front-of-package nutrition labeling in 2025 will further help consumers identify healthier options.
• Expand Financial Incentives for Fruits and Vegetables – Making fruits and vegetables eligible for purchase under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) would help increase consumption and reduce diet-related diseases. IFPA also supports the introduction of a federal tax credit for produce purchases that align with Dietary Guidelines. Federal investment in research is needed to assess the impact of these incentives on dietary habits.
IFPA stands ready to support Secretary Kennedy and HHS in advancing these critical initiatives that will improve public health and strengthen the fresh produce industry.
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our members’ prosperity by conducting advocacy, connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence. IFPA represents member companies from small family businesses to the largest international corporations throughout the global fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.
Contact: Sarah Gonzalez, sgonzalez@freshproduce.com, (202) 303-3411
