Ag Sec. Johanns To Keynote UFFVA Public Policy Conference

Washington, D.C. -- Kicking off the produce industry's premiere political advocacy event, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns will address the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association's Washington Public Policy Conference (WPPC) Sept. 14. Sworn in as the 28th USDA Secretary on Jan. 21, 2005, Johanns will discuss current and forthcoming administration priorities including federal nutrition policy, the Farm Bill, the President's Healthier U.S. Initiative, and how he will personally work with the produce industry to forward the department’s goals.

"We are extremely pleased that Secretary Johanns will welcome the produce industry to Washington, DC, as part of our WPPC opening breakfast session," said Robert Guenther, United's v.p. of public policy. "In just a short time, he has developed a visible relationship with our industry, having met with United's volunteer leadership in April and spending time with one of the industry's leading trade publications last week," said Guenther.

Secretary Johanns has also demonstrated strong support for the farming community, and as governor of Nebraska he greatly increased the role of agriculture in government food and land management programs, Guenther added.

For more information, go to United's website: www.uffva.org.