National Pecan Federation Walks the Hill

Back to June 2023

Pecan growers and industry members gathered in Washington to discuss industry concerns, needs, and successes with policymakers.

by Blair Krebs
June 1, 2023
Industry Updates

A group of people with the NPF stand in front of the U.S. Capitol for a group photo.

This group walked Capitol Hill in April 2023 and represented the industry. Back row, left to right—Jake Ford, Larry Don Womack, Blair Krebs, Marianne Brown, Justin Jones, Kyle Barker, Louie Salopek, Chad Selman, Lalo Medina, Bill Davis. Front row, left to right—Mark Hamilton, Shannon Ivey, Shelby Ivey, Deborah Walden-Ralls, Mark Cook, Mike Spradling, and Rob Cohen.

While Washington, D.C., is where work is being done on behalf of the U.S. pecan industry’s advocacy efforts, the results touch pecan farms and operations across the country. A part of that work was this year’s National Pecan Federation (NPF) annual Washington, D.C. fly-in. The annual event is meant to enhance and complement the work being done year-round by the Redding Firm on behalf of the national pecan industry. The event allows producers and industry representatives an opportunity to meet directly with policymakers, sharing their experiences, concerns, and successes.

Pecan industry members met with Senators and Congresspeople from Georgia, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, as well as their staff, to talk pecans and policy. The group also met with important agriculture-related committees, including different USDA departments that handle programs like crop insurance, market development, and more.

The Farm Bill was at the top of the docket for discussions, as well as thanking those who assisted in the India tariff reduction and Agricultural Research Service (ARS) funding. There were further discussions and work on programs such as crop insurance, assessment collections for imports, and more. The National Pecan Federation and industry members who dedicated their time to the event are making sure your voice as a pecan industry member is heard in D.C.!

If you would like to help further support the work being done on behalf of the pecan industry in the Capitol, consider contributing to the PECANPAC. To have a successful advocacy program, the pecan industry must have a political action committee. The PECANPAC can accept contributions from individuals, partnerships, or LLCs. Contributions are limited to $5,000 per year. You can mail your contributions to PECANPAC 313 Massachusetts Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002.

Blair Krebs

Blair Krebs is the Publisher of Pecan South and the Executive Director of the Texas Pecan Growers Association. For questions regarding the magazine or advertising, you can reach her at blair@tpga.org.