Organic Produce Association Brings Industry Leaders to Washington for 2026 Capitol Hill Fly-In
February 13, 2026The Organic Produce Association (OPA) convened member companies and industry leaders in Washington, D.C. this week for its annual Capitol Hill Fly-In, continuing its work to elevate the voice of the organic produce sector in federal policy discussions.
Representatives from leading organic produce companies met with key congressional offices and USDA leadership to discuss the priorities and challenges facing organic fruit and vegetable growers across the United States. The two-day visit focused on strengthening relationships with policymakers, sharing real-world industry perspectives, and advancing policies that support the continued growth of organic agriculture.
OPA members met with congressional offices representing key agricultural states and districts, reinforcing the industry’s national footprint and economic impact and to build support for the Meeting Demand for Organic Produce Act, introduced last week by House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture Chairman Dan Newhouse (R-WA). Meetings included discussions with members of the House Agriculture Committee and staff working on Farm Bill and organic policy issues. The group also met with officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including leadership from the National Organic Program.
Key discussion topics included:
- The importance of strengthening domestic organic production
- The need for regulatory clarity and consistency for growers
- Farm Bill priorities impacting organic produce
- Ongoing challenges across the supply chain
- Opportunities to expand access to organic fruits and vegetables
- Potential and current trade barriers
OPA also highlighted the importance of continued investment in organic research and policies that help reduce barriers for growers transitioning to organic production.
“Bringing our members to Washington each year is critical to ensuring policymakers understand the realities facing organic produce growers and the opportunities ahead,” said Jennifer Jacobs, Director of Marketing & Membership at OPA. “There is strong momentum behind organic, and it’s important that federal policy continues to support innovation, supply chain resilience, and long-term growth.”
The fly-in also served as an opportunity to share updates on OPA’s expanding membership and new organizational initiatives, including its upcoming website relaunch and refreshed branding aimed at strengthening the association’s visibility and engagement across the industry.
OPA will continue its work throughout the year to serve as a resource to Congress and federal agencies on issues impacting organic produce and to convene stakeholders across the supply chain around shared priorities.
For more information about the Organic Produce Association and its policy work, visit: www.organicproduceassoc.com