A First Timer’s Perspective of the United Fresh Washington Conference

October 1, 2020
8:45 pm

Posted by DMA Solutions Team

As a first time attendee, I went into the United Fresh Washington Conference knowing little about what to expect, especially since this was this event’s first to be hosted virtually. My attraction to the conference was initially because of my interest in nutrition policy. I went in ready to better understand these issues in order to articulate and better prepare for a lobbying session with our state senator for issues like:

- the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines revisions for the next 5 years
- stipulations around more servings of whole fruits and vegetables in school lunches
- Any legislation that increases the allotment for fresh produce for programs such as WIC
- The Farmers to Families food box that is supporting families in need with quality, nutritious food

It was so exciting to get to translate my passion into education AND direct action.

In Case this Race Wasn’t Already Complicated

What I didn’t know when I was invited to attend the event on behalf of DMA Solutions was that I would learn about so many more policies that affect the fresh produce industry across the spectrum. My political stance is largely a combination of convictions I’ve formed on issues most impactful to my day-to-day. So did I ever expect to have strong political thoughts about farming? Not really. My stance on immigration was largely based upon the economy and ethics, and I thought reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment was an easy “yes.” But harsh immigration laws affect a large portion of our workforce, and environmental protection acts work against our ability to transport produce across the country; just a few issues amongst many. There are two sides to every coin, and I am a firm believer any time new information is presented, a previous opinion ought to be reconsidered, even if unchanged. As if this race weren’t confusing and polarizing enough, the United Fresh Washington Conference gave me a renewed perspective on just how complex these macro issues are when you start to look at the micro effects. Turns out, choosing to wave a red or blue flag becomes a lot more complicated when you work in the fresh produce industry.

It Hit Me During Happy Hour (As it Always Does…)

It was all fun and games until an anonymous poll during the Election Night celebration led to a 50/50 split in who we would vote for President. If it were any sort of reflection of the whole, it revealed that as an industry we are anything but unified in our party choice. And then it hit me: if the goal is to go to Capitol Hill with one voice as an industry, this can’t be about partisanship. I may be new to the game, but for what it’s worth, I believe our ability to make these changes is not and cannot be dependent on who is in office. We cannot package up policies we are advocating for to fit neatly under either candidate, and if we think that getting a particular candidate in office will solve our issues, we’ll be stuck in the mud of tug-of-war against one another. The hope we have as an industry must lie within our ability to unify within ourselves. IF we can come together and decide what is best for us collectively and our voice is loud and unconvoluted, we can make a case that either side can get behind.

One Step in the Right Direction is Better than All or Nothing

My final thought, though quite simple, is that progress is a sure and steady journey, and it’s the little victories that add up along the way. If I could equate these policy issues to anything, it’s iPhone headphones. There’s just no straightforward way to untangle a mess. But now more than ever, we have the ability to try things we never have before. That may be public/private partnerships that have come about between our industry and the FDA, or it may be the host of Acts born out of the reality that kids aren’t receiving school meals right now. We’ve been shaken out of many of our old ways, so now is the time to ensure that the change is for good. And finally, it’s important to celebrate every conversation, every amendment, every child that tries a new vegetable for the first time. It’s a tiring fight, but we must remember the difference we are making in the lives of our current society and generations to come. One step, march, or click at a time!