Plan sets out bold vision for growth and greater access to fresh produce and floral
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has published its 2025 Public Policy Agenda, outlining policy priorities that support the growth and resilience of the fresh produce and floral industry.
The agenda is a strategic roadmap for advancing key legislative and regulatory goals that ensure consumers have access to a diverse, affordable, and safe supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, and floral products year-round.
“Fresh produce and floral are essential not only to nutrition and well-being of individuals but to the economic vitality of communities around the world,” said IFPA VP of government relations, Rebeckah Adcock.
“This agenda reflects the voices and values of our members and lays out a policy framework that champions workforce reform, international trade, consumption incentives, research and innovation, and resilient supply chains.”
Key policy highlights include:
Labour: IFPA continues to lead efforts to modernise the H-2A and H-2B visa programmes in the US, advocating for common-sense reforms that ensure a legal, reliable, and affordable workforce.
Trade: IFPA calls for trade policies rooted in fairness and science, pushing back on broad tariffs and non-tariff barriers that disrupt supply chains and drive up consumer prices.
Nutrition and consumption: To increase consumption of fruits and vegetables and improve public health, IFPA is advocating for robust funding of nutrition programmes and the integration of produce prescriptions into US healthcare systems.
Crop protection and technology: IFPA supports regulatory updates and investment in biotechnology, IPM strategies, and automation to ensure a sustainable and productive growing environment.
Food safety: The association supports a risk-based food safety regulatory system, and advocates for transparency and accountability in US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) funding and operations.
Supply chain and infrastructure: From port prioritisation to packaging policy, IFPA is pressing for infrastructure investments and regulatory relief to safeguard the smooth movement of perishable products.
Sustainability: IFPA supports policies that promote environmental stewardship while preserving grower profitability, with a focus on innovation, regenerative agriculture, and climate resilience.
Tax Policy: The association urges US tax reforms that protect family farms and incentivise innovation, including estate tax relief, investment credits, and recognition of fruits and vegetables as allowable expenses under health-focused savings accounts.
Farm Bill: As co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, IFPA is championing a US farm bill that reflects the economic importance of the fresh sector and addresses long-standing inequities in federal programmes.
“This agenda outlines what it takes for our industry to flourish and meet the demand for fresh, nutritious food,” Adcock said. “We are working with policymakers to advance these priorities and advocate for the produce and floral sectors as essential solutions to improving public health, strengthening the economy, and create prosperity for our members.”
