Sen. Pat Roberts, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, lends his seasoned perspective to a discussion of the 2012 Farm Bill at the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference. Roberts will speak before the Luncheon General Session on Tuesday, October 4.

“This is a great chance for leaders in the produce industry to gain insight on the pending Farm Bill and U.S. agricultural policy from one of the highest congressional authorities,” says United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Sen. Roberts has been a leading advocate for agriculture throughout his 30 years in the House and Senate, including two years as chairman of the House Agriculture Committee. Now, as the lead Republican member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, he brings both passion and deep expertise to issues critical to our industry.”

“Farming is one of the most unpredictable occupations in the world,” says Sen. Roberts. “The health of our rural communities and our national economy depend on the viability of our agricultural sector. The Farm Bill must provide a safety net for farmers that is adequate, equitable, and dependable.”

Sen. Roberts adds to a robust schedule at this year’s Washington Public Policy Conference that includes a Wednesday morning address from House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.); discussions with federal regulators at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency, and Food and Drug Administration; market segment-specific education sessions; and the popular Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill. Additionally, this year’s schedule includes the most visits to congressional offices by conference attendees in the event’s history. More information on the Washington Public Policy Conference is available at www.unitedfresh.org/programs/wppc.