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Additional Speakers Confirmed for Impact Washington Summit

Make a difference, network with industry leaders, and gain valuable insights for the future.

AmericanHort, the leading national association representing the horticulture industry, is excited to announce the addition of prominent speakers to the agenda of the upcoming Impact Washington Summit. The event, taking place in Washington D.C., from September 18 to 20, will provide an opportunity for industry leaders to engage with lawmakers through face-to-face meetings to discuss issues impacting the horticulture sector.

Joining popular two-term Maryland Governor Larry Hogan who will headline the event, esteemed speakers added to the lineup include the following:

 

  • Representative John Duarte (R-CA-13) – a fourth generation farmer and businessman who holds key subcommittee assignments: the House Committee on Agriculture; the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and House Natural Resources Committee.
  • Representative Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) – a former federal agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and then as a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) case officer, Representative Spanberger was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. She currently serves on the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Intelligence Committee. Last month she announced she will run for governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2025.
  • Representative David Valadao (R-CA-22) – a five-term Congressman, Representative Valadao has established himself as a leader in agriculture and water policy. He has served on the influential House Appropriations Committee, with the responsibility to determine how American tax dollars get spent. He also works on the House Budget Committee. He serves on the Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, as well as on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.
  • Representative Jim Costa (D-CA-21) – a grandson of immigrants and raised on a dairy farm, Representative Costa applies his farming background to find for water, agriculture, healthcare, and the economy. He is a member of the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He is also a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, amongst others.
“It is more important than ever to attend the Impact Washington Summit and engage with your lawmakers,”  said Matt Mika, Vice President, Advocacy and Government Affairs for AmericanHort. “The current Congress is relatively new, and we have an opportunity to educate them about our unique industry needs. Moreover, this year Congress needs to reauthorize the Farm Bill, which expires on September 30. The Farm Bill is the primary source of funding for horticulture research, pest and disease mitigation, and other priorities that impact our industry.” To learn more about the 118th Congress, click here.

In addition to these distinguished speakers, AmericanHort is honored to share that Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19), a Ways and Means, Budget and Armed Services Committee member, and true friend and champion of the green industry, will be attending the PlantPAC dinner as a special guest. Representative Panetta’s presence will provide an opportunity for attendees to engage in important discussions regarding the future of the horticulture industry. For more information on PlantPAC, visit our website.

The Impact Washington Summit offers attendees a unique platform to voice their concerns, share insights, and influence policy decisions at the heart of our nation’s capital. By bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and advocacy experts, the summit aims to shape the future of the horticulture industry.

For more information about the Impact Washington Summit and to register for the event, please visit AmericanHort’s website. The hotel room block with discounted rates is available until August 25.

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