PTNPA’s DC Fly-In Connects Members with Policymakers

America’s Nut Industry to Talk Farm Bill, Appropriations, FDA’ S Human Foods Program, Trade, and Open Market Access at Annual Fly-In

The Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) DC Fly-In is the nut industry’s premier advocacy event, bringing together members from across the sector to engage directly with lawmakers and regulators in our nation’s capital. From May 20-22, 2024, attendees will participate in discussions on the top issues impacting their businesses, meet with Members of Congress, top administration officials, and connect with colleagues.

“The DC Fly-In provides an opportunity for members to make their voices heard on policies and regulations that matter most to them,” said Jeannie Shaughnessy, CEO, PTNPA. “Attendees will receive briefings from subject matter experts on the latest legislative and regulatory issues and discuss strategies for effective advocacy. Members will then put these learnings into action during meetings on Capitol Hill and with key agency officials.”

“A highlight of this year’s event is the opportunity to meet directly with Jim Jones, the first-ever Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods for the proposed Human Foods Program at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA),” said Steve Zaffarano, President, Diamond Foods, LLC., Vice Chair of PTNPA Board of Directors, and Chair of PTNPA’s Advocacy Committee organizing the event. “He will provide an overview of the agency’s priorities and engage in an open, honest discussion with PTNPA Members, hearing directly from us on the issues impacting our industry the most.”

Additional speakers and panels will cover other critical issues such as regulatory actions, the upcoming elections, and international trade.

• Elaine Trevino, Associate Administrator to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will lead a discussion on trade, imports, and exports while delving into insights on current trade issues and debates surrounding open market access.
• Legislative expert Tami Buckner of Michael Best Strategies will provide attendees with insightful analysis into the current political environment on Capitol Hill and explore potential trajectories for legislative priorities in the months and years ahead.
• Hogan Lovells’ Martin Hahn will update attendees on current regulatory developments impacting the nut industry, such as recent and anticipated actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

“This event offers a tremendous opportunity for our members to have their voices heard directly by lawmakers and regulators shaping the future of the nut industry,” said Ryan Ososki, Advocacy and Education Specialist, PTNPA. “By coming together in Washington, DC, we can advocate for our shared priorities, develop relationships with policymakers, and advance the interests of the American nut industry as a whole.”

The DC Fly-In agenda also includes a VIP tour of the Library of Congress and an outing to a baseball game at National Park to experience some of what the city has to offer.

Learn more about PTNPA’s Fly-In here: https://www.ptnpa.org/DC2024

About the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association

The American nut industry represents an important food and agricultural sector that has grown significantly in recent decades. As the leading trade organization for nut producers in the United States, the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) has proudly supported America’s peanut and tree nut industry for more than eight decades. PTNPA’s member companies range from large global organizations to small family-owned businesses, employing millions of people and generating billions of dollars in the global economy. Learn more at PTNPA.org.