Wednesday, April 2 

11 am – Welcome to Spring Policy Summit

11:15-12 pm Social Responsibility Points the Way Forward: For buyers and government alike, it has become more important to monitor worker social responsibility, as well as deforestation and the environment. Speakers include Virginia Bullington from the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, Marion Avril from AHIFORES, Ana Ambrose from Avocados From Mexico, and the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association.   Presenter: Irene Amezaga 

12:00- 1 pm : A Tariff Town Hall, Presented in conjunction with Farmers for Free Trade. The potential imposition of tariffs would have far-reaching consequences for the produce industry and the nation as a whole. April 2 is the target date for “reciprocal” tariffs to be announced. Amid this backdrop, the Tariff Town Hall will be Webcast live, and will feature the following esteemed guest panelists: Paul Brierley, Arizona Director of Agriculture; George Frisvold, Chair of Agribusiness Economics & Policy, University of Arizona; Luis Ribera, Professor and Extension Economist in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University; Skip Hulett, Chief Legal Officer, NatureSweet; John Pandol of Pandol Brothers; and, Ana Ambrosi, Senior Director of Corporate Communication for Avocados From Mexico; moderated by Brian Kuehl of Farmers for Free Trade. Presenter: Lance Jungmeyer 

1:15-2 pm How to Face The New Trade Environment: A lot is at stake in the US-Mexico relationship, from how the U.S. administers trade and customs regulations, to the upcoming USMCA renewal, to Mexican constitutional reform, to US federal agencies facing layoffs, and much more. How will the industry face these challenges? Hear from experts including: Garrick Taylor, Director of Policy at the Border Trade Alliance; and, Brian Kuehl, Executive Director of Farmers for Free Trade. Presenter: Guillermo Martinez 

2-2:30 pm – The Importance of Agriculture in the U.S. – Mexico Relationship – Virginia Bullington of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center.  The Wilson Center studies many aspects of the U.S.-Mexico relationship and has a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities.  Virginia Bullington will talk about the importance of agriculture in Mexico and for the trade relationship between the U.S. and one of its leading suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables. Presenter: Mikee Suarez 

2:30 – 2:45 pm – Networking and snack break 

2:45-3:30 – Regulatory & Inspection Updates – Gain insights into the latest regulatory developments and initiatives in Mexico and at the border, including USDA/APHIS mango inspections. Also, a look FPAA’s efforts to expand refrigerated inspection capacity to enhance efficiency and maintain the cold chain for perishable goods. Speakers include: Guillermo Valencia, representing the Nogales Port Authority; Matt Rhodes of USDA/APHIS; Lance Jungmeyer, President of the FPAA.   Presenter: Mary Paz 

3:30-4:15 pm – Emerging Trends at US Customs and Border Protection: Emerging Trends at US Customs and Border Protection: CBP’s role in commercial trade continues to expand. Among other developments, hear about the latest developments in non-intrusive scanning to stop 100% of illicit goods. Guadalupe Ramirez, Director of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.    Presenter: Allison Moore 

4:30  pm Adjourn 

5-7 pm Reception

Thursday, April 3 

8:00 – 9:30 am North American Produce Food Safety Working Group Meeting – working breakfast.

10 am -1:00 pm North American Produce Food Safety Summit – Challenges and Solutions for Your Business

10 am Welcome 

10:10-10:40 Ag Water Rule: Growers and importers alike will be impacted by FDA’s new rules for agriculture water. Learn what matters for your company, and how to work with your supply chain partners to be in compliance. Speakers include Betsy Bihn from Produce Safety Alliance. 

10:40- 10:50 Coffee Break 

10:50-11:20 Food Safety Hot Topics: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is prioritizing chemical safety and contaminants. They have launched a new online tool to bring attention to this. How does this affect your company and the rest of the produce industry?   FDA’s Section 204 Rule on traceability has been delayed until July 2028, but there is still a lot that companies need to do to be ready for this.  Presented by Jennifer McEntire from Food Safety Strategy. 

11:20 -12:20 Networking Luncheon and Panel Discussion: A Plethora of Audits – Which to Choose? Depending on the nature of your operation, certain kinds of audits may be more cost-effective, or more efficient in terms of time. From GlobalGAP to the Harmonized GAP to CanadaGAP and others, there are many choices. Learn which might be a fit for your company. Speakers include Jeff Hall of Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Mathilde Rivera from A&W. Moderated by Walter Ram of the Giumarra Companies.

12:30-1 pm You’re Getting Inspected by FDA. Now what? When the Food and Drug Administration decides to conduct an inspection, you might have no advance notice. And a visit from a state inspector might differ. Depending on the nature of the audit, what data and resources do you need to gather to have a successful outcome? Get the best advice from Jennifer McEntire from Food Safety Strategy.

1 pm Adjourn