The United Fresh Produce Association announced today that eight members of Congress have signed on as honorary co-hosts of the 2009 Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, September 9 in the historic Cannon Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building.

As the opening reception for the 2009 Washington Public Policy Conference, United’s Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill gives the produce industry a time to shine. The Fresh Festival is the premier fruit and vegetable industry event on Capitol Hill, bringing together members of Congress, congressional staff, administration officials and friends of the produce industry to sample fresh fruit and vegetable products from across the country and discuss issues impacting our industry with key Washington decision makers.

Confirmed Honorary Co-Hosts for the 2009 Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill include:
•Senator Tom Harkin (IA)
chairman, senate committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry
•Senator Saxby Chambliss (GA)
ranking member, senate committee on agriculture, nutrition and forestry
•Representative Collin Peterson (MN-7)
chairman, house committee on agriculture
•Representative Frank Lucas (OK-3)
Ranking Member, House Committee on Agriculture
•Senator Debbie A. Stabenow (MI)
•Senator Lindsey Graham (SC)
•Representative Dennis Cardoza (CA-18)
•Representative Adam Putnam (FL-12)

In addition to Fresh Festival, the annual Washington Public Policy Conference will provide attendees the opportunity to engage in a wide range of policy-oriented activities, including visits to more than 140 congressional offices and a private town hall meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.