Immigration reform a priority at United Fresh

United Fresh members will have the opportunity to lobby for and learn about immigration reform at United Fresh 2013, May 14-16 in San Diego.

As lawmakers consider the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” which was introduced in the Senate on April 16, United will mobilize members to call Congress in support of immigration reform. A grassroots call center will be featured at the association’s annual trade show and convention, where thousands of industry leaders will be encouraged to weigh in on the reform.

“We expect the immigration debate to be progressing quickly in the coming weeks, and every call that our members make to their senators and representatives will have an impact,” said Robert Guenther, United Fresh senior vice president of public policy. “This is an opportunity to drive this landmark reform forward and it is critical that we speak up to ensure that agriculture’s priorities are included in the final bill.”

The dialogue will continue at “The Critical Need for Labor and Immigration Reform” workshop on Wednesday, May 15. Speakers will be Chalmers Carr, president, Titan Farms; Monte Lake, partner at the Washington, D.C. law firm CJ Lake; and Robert Guenther, senior vice president, public policy, United Fresh Produce Association. The moderator will be Barry Bedwell, president and CEO, California Grape & Tree Fruit League and chairman of the United Fresh Government Relations Council.

The interactive session will focus on late-breaking information on Congressional negotiations and the fresh produce industry's efforts to finally resolve the immigration issue. A question and answer period will follow, where members are encouraged to join the conversation and share their perspectives on the issue.

For more information, please visit www.unitedfreshshow.org.