(Tubac, Arizona)— The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) hosted its 2026 Annual Spring Policy Summit on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The event brought together more than 60 participants, including industry leaders, FPAA members, government partners, and stakeholders for a day of timely discussion on the issues shaping cross-border produce trade.
The Spring Policy Summit has been the nexus in developing innovative initiatives and having important discussions to solve real problems. The Customs and Border Protection Unified Cargo Processing Program with Mexican Customs was first conceived at a Spring Policy Summit where governments from the U.S. and Mexico and industry members discussed ways to decrease border wait times while maintaining strong trade enforcement activities. Rolled out in Nogales, the Unified Cargo Processing program became an important part of CBP’s collaboration with Mexican Customs.
The Spring Policy Summit continues to be a place for meaningful dialogue on the policy, regulatory, and operational matters affecting the fresh produce supply chain. This year’s program featured a strong lineup of sessions focused on some of the most pressing issues facing the industry, including the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), border infrastructure developments, USDA/AMS engagement, Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) inspection innovation, and Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQs) and their potential impact on produce trade.
A featured session, the USMCA Roundup, explored the future of North American trade and what ongoing and upcoming policy discussions could mean for the fresh produce sector. Additional panels and conversations gave attendees insight into infrastructure improvements, trade operations, inspection processes, and the value of continued coordination between government agencies and the produce industry.
“FPAA’s Spring Policy Summit reflects the importance of creating space for direct engagement between our industry and the government officials, policymakers, and partners who help shape the environment in which we operate,” said Lance Jungmeyer, President of FPAA. “These conversations matter. They help ensure our members remain informed, heard, and better prepared to navigate the policy and operational challenges affecting cross-border produce trade.”
In addition to the formal program, the Summit offered valuable opportunities for attendees to connect, exchange perspectives, and strengthen relationships across industry and government. The event underscored FPAA’s ongoing commitment to advocacy, member service, and advancing informed dialogue on behalf of the cross-border produce industry.
FPAA extends its appreciation to all speakers, participants, sponsors, and government partners who helped make the 2026 Spring Policy Summit a success.
For more information about FPAA and its advocacy work on behalf of the fresh produce industry, please visit www.thefpaa.com.
About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for more than 100 U.S. companies involved in the importation and distribution of fresh produce grown in Mexico.
For more information about the FPAA Spring Policy Summit, FPAA membership, or upcoming events, please contact the FPAA at (520) 287-2707 or visit www.thefpaa.com .
