Tag: congress

In light of the final passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, International Fresh Produce Association Chief Public Policy Office, Robert Guenther issued the following statement: “The bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act (S. 3580) provides much needed relief for our nation’s ports, in particular for the fresh produce industry that relies heavily on reliable, efficient ocean transport of fresh produce.

One recurring element that is subject to the seesaws of partisan politics is the status of independent contractors versus paid employees, and it has a direct effect on truck drivers who deliver fresh produce.

During a U.S. House Agriculture Committee Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research hearing titled “A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Horticulture and Urban Agriculture,” International Fresh Produce Association was represented by two of its members, Brie Reiter Smith of Driscoll’s, Inc. and Marc Oshima of AeroFarms, as they shared their perspectives on issues ranging from technology, innovation, social impact, nutrition, research, natural resources, and more.

U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) released text of the 2022 Omnibus Appropriations bill overnight. The bill is expected to be voted on today by the House of Representatives.

WASHINGTON—Today, House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer and House Committee on Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations Ranking Member Don Bacon (R-Neb.) wrote Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack about the 27% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

The SF Market – the Bay Area's source for fresh produce, welcomed Congressman James McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, to its Bayview Hunter's Point facility on Thursday, August 19 during the Representative's national listening tour to help advance a comprehensive nationwide plan to end food insecurity in America.

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas and the Texas International Produce Association applaud the efforts of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez in leading a bipartisan letter addressed to the Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, regarding a proposal to reinterpret parts of the 2019 Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico (TSA).

The latest organization to speak out in favor of immigration reform is the George W. Bush Institute. Is there a chance?

On Wednesday, a bipartisan letter was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai calling for the USTR to work with members of Congress to implement immediate trade relief measures for U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables.

The legislation has some bipartisan support in the House, which will help in the Senate. But it probably won’t be enough.