IFPA Board Discusses Trade and Economic Concerns with White House Officials

Washington, DC – With the global fresh produce and floral community facing an unknown path forward with regard to tariffs and trade policy, members of the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Board of Directors met March 19 with representatives from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office and the National Economic Council to discuss a wide range of issues, including the potential for exemptions from potential upcoming tariffs for fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants.  

The meetings at the White House were part of the IFPA's Board of Director meetings held in Washington DC. In addition to meeting with White House officials, the Board focused on IFPA strategic plan deliverables, as well as policy matters including deregulation and potential alignment with the Make America Healthy Again movement. 

“We firmly advocate for fair and thriving international trade,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “U.S. fresh produce growers and suppliers play a pivotal role in this system, feeding consumers worldwide. A secure and sustainable global food supply thrives with strong and reliable access to markets. We greatly appreciate Administration officials inviting us and meeting with our Board to hear first-hand the tariff concerns that will disrupt trade and limit economic and consumption opportunities for both businesses and consumers.” 

The IFPA Board’s White House meetings were timely, given that the temporary exemption for Canadian and Mexican tariffs is set to expire April 2. In addition to U.S. grower and supplier representation in the meetings, IFPA’s Board also brought perspectives from the domestic and international buying community and global markets (Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Mexico, Sweden, The Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom). 

“Given our global membership base and the reality that supply chain disruptions affect so many businesses worldwide, the IFPA Board was able to bring real life examples to the administration on just how vulnerable produce and floral are due to the interconnectedness between markets and the highly perishable nature of products,” said IFPA Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. “Board leaders also offered This meeting also opened the door for our members, through IFPA, to provide trade data for fresh produce, positioning our member community industry favorably to inform future policy decisions.” 

The Board also raised the challenges and impact sweeping tariffs will have on the industry, including the possibility of produce and floral being subjected to retaliatory tariffs from other trading partners. 

“Rather than imposing broad tariffs, IFPA supports regulatory relief and trade reforms that empower U.S. growers while ensuring a stable, affordable food supply for consumers,” said IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations Rebeckah Adcock. “We are committed to working with the Trump administration to advance trade policies and regulatory reforms that strengthen American agriculture without disrupting essential supply chains.” 

Tariffs remain an evolving issue, and IFPA is committed to keeping its members informed by convening key discussions, sharing the latest policy updates, and advocating for policies that support fair and thriving international trade. 

Members can send tariff-related questions to USGR@freshproduce.com, while guidance documents, webinars, consultations and regulatory resources are available to IFPA members on the association's website.