Meet the IFPA Government Relations Team

International Fresh Produce Association is the largest and most diverse association servicing the entire fresh produce supply chain, advocating for our members and industry to create beneficial changes. IFPA delivers unmatched value in shaping legislative, regulatory, political, and legal solutions to challenges threatening the industry’s growth and profitability, while providing the strongest possible voice for the produce industry.

From our national headquarters office on Pennsylvania Avenue three blocks from the White House, our government relations team is on the job every day, meeting with legislators, regulators, and their staff to advance industry issues.

Meet the Government Relations Team

Rebeckah Adcock

Vice President, U.S. Government Relations

Previously appointed Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Agriculture
20+ years of association experience
Leads domestic government relations team

+1(703) 501-9371 Email Rebeckah Adcock

Mollie Van Lieu

Vice President, Nutrition and Health Policy

Focus on increasing American consumption of fruits and Vegetables
10+ years of policy experience on and off Capitol Hill

+1(202) 303-3403 Email Mollie Van Lieu

Angela Tiwari

Director, Grassroots and Political Affairs

Provides leadership for IFPA’s grassroots engagement and initiatives
15+ years of experience at IFPA and United Fresh in government relations
Leads the Political Advisory Committee driving Washington Conference, FreshPAC and advocacy development

+1(202) 303-3416 Email Angela Tiwari

John Hollay

Director, Workforce and Labor Policy

Immigration Policy expert
15+ years of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives working on agriculture, labor and nutrition policy and private advocacy and government experience in agriculture
Former head of government relations for dairy trade association

+1(202) 303-3421 Email John Hollay

Sara L. Neagu-Reed

Director, Production & Environmental Policy

12+ years of experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, USDA, and trade associations representing specialty crop producers on Farm Bill, immigration, crop protection, and organic policy issues
Focused on resolving and protecting production practices for the fresh produce industry including organics, indoor, and contained environment agriculture (CEA).

+1(202) 303-3405 Email Sara L. Neagu-Reed

Issues & Initiatives

We establish a robust set of priority issues, with detailed policy positions and actions. IFPA's Board of Directors, U.S. Government Relations Council, association members, and industry partners evaluate and determine the overarching federal policy priorities for the upcoming year. We are committed to an open and transparent policy process that includes views of all sectors of our industry.

View the IFPA U.S. Government Relations 2022 Final Work Plan, which comes off a successful policy and regulatory agenda during the first session of the 117th Congress and view an in-depth look at each of our priority issues. The 2023 priorities will be published in January.

Our team is here to support your advocacy needs. You are a part of the solution for the following priority issues:

Supply Chain Policy
Workforce Policy
Nutrition Policy
Organic Policy
Food Safety
Climate Change
International Trade
Crop Protection Tools
Plant Breeding
Research Data Collection and Analysis

Member Services

Our team is here to support your advocacy needs. Never hesitate to reach out; no question is too minor, and no issue is too large. As an IFPA member, you are a part of the solution for the following priority issues:

Identification of legislative and regulatory impacts and analysis of pertinent technical resources related to public policy
Referrals to consultants and subject matter experts
Access to expert speakers on a variety of key issues areas including nutrition policy, immigration, supply chain, food safety, farm bill, organics, climate and more.
Receive need-to-know public policy information in a short email digest to the government relations community
Are you a member and want to know more contact Brandon Barnett or to become a member Miriam Wolk, Chief Membership Officer

Making Our Voice Heard

The annual IFPA Washington Conference each fall is the largest public policy event in the produce industry, but success in government affairs is hinged on engagement all year round. We provide the tools and support to help members maximize industry impact 365 days a year through actions like:

Collaboration on Congressional Tours of your operation
Hosting a political event that supports pro-produce candidates
Delivering timely issue-specific communications to elected leaders
Attending a community and national event that raises awareness for your region
Using social media and digital advocacy tools to tell your story
Collaborating with influential government officials now, so when an issue arises, you have a strong relationship already established
Join the Advocacy Action Network Today!

Representing the Industry as Impactful Advocates

In addition to providing direct support to IFPA members through training and individual interactions, speaking on behalf of the produce industry is also critical. We actively engage in public policy conversations and initiatives in the following ways:

Frequent formal and informal interactions with multiple offices within U.S. Congress, the Administration including U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Labor and more.
With input from member workgroups, contribute formal comments on produce industry-related proposals at the USDA and other agencies
Represent the industry in conferences and speaking engagements on topics throughout the entire supply chain
Lead the Allied Association Roundtable, a network of state, regional, national and international produce associations who come together to strengthen the common voice on key issues facing the produce and floral industries
Serve as secretariat for the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance a national coalition of more than 120 organizations established to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop agriculture and improve the health of Americans by broadening the scope of U.S. agricultural public policy

FreshPAC

The IFPA Political Action Committee (FreshPAC) is an opportunity for the produce industry to help elect and re-elect pro-produce candidates. It allows our industry to maintain a voice and actively work to advance the industry’s interest throughout the government:

100% of FreshPAC funds support Members of Congress who support the fresh fruit and vegetable industry on issues important to Fresh Produce members
An opportunity to remind candidates that the produce industry touches every community in the nation
FreshPAC is funded solely by individual and personal contributions
Contact Angela Tiwari to receive and fill out the FreshPAC authorization form required to join the FreshPAC, a successful committee since 1976

Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

The Washington Conference

Advocate for issues impacting the produce industry as part of a guided team that meets with the U.S. Congress as part of The Washington Conference.

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Policy and Regulatory Forum

Dive deeper into specific advocacy issues while meeting with the U.S. Congress through the annual Policy and Regulatory Forum.

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Government Relations Council

Give back and provide leadership and direction to IFPA as part of the Government Relations Council or Political Advisory Committee.

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Global Produce and Floral Show

Share with and learn from your colleagues at the annual Global Produce & Floral Show.

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Produce Advocacy Internships

Graduate and undergraduate students interested in careers in produce advocacy can apply for internships.

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Enhancing Member Visibility

Food Safety & Advocacy Fund

Food Safety & Advocacy Fund contributing members are recognized for their support of our initiatives.

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Virtual Town Halls

We offer a wide variety of sponsorship opportunities, including the Government Relations Council, Virtual Town Halls, and development of resources, for companies who want to demonstrate thought leadership and gain visibility.

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Advocate

IFPA pays special recognition to one member company a year that serves as an advocate for the entire produce industry, makes a significant impact and drives the industry forward.

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IFPA's Government Relations

Meet the Government Relations Team

Issues & Initiatives

Member Services

Making Our Voice Heard

Representing the Industry as Impactful Advocates

FreshPAC

Networking and Professional Development Opportunities

The Washington Conference

Policy and Regulatory Forum

Government Relations Council

Global Produce and Floral Show

Produce Advocacy Internships

Enhancing Member Visibility

Food Safety & Advocacy Fund

Virtual Town Halls

Advocate

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