More than 25 members of the CEA Alliance, a trade association representing and serving indoor growers and their partners, came to Washington, D.C. April 1-2 to educate members of Congress and the Administration about the importance of the rapidly growing indoor farming sector of U.S. agriculture.
“At a time when the U.S. is importing more fresh food than ever before, this year’s Washington, D.C. fly-in served as a critical reminder that indoor farming is one of the most important strategies we need to expand domestic production of nutritious and healthy fresh food.“ said Tom Stenzel, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Policymakers heard loud and clear this week that indoor farming is at an important inflection point where government policies will be the key to new private investment in U.S. agriculture. Indoor produce growers are ready to invest billions of dollars in the U.S. if government can address rampant labor shortages, modernize outdated agricultural policies, and adopt meaningful tax policy to support domestic production.”
CEA Alliance members met with leaders of the Senate Agriculture and Finance Committee, House Agriculture and Ways and Means Committee, and some 30 additional Congressional offices. In addition, Alliance members met with USDA leaders, including the Chiefs of Staff for the major departments with responsibilities that affect indoor agriculture.
“As indoor farming continues to expand, it’s important that our national leaders recognize a new day in U.S agriculture,” said Colin O’Neil, senior policy adviser to the CEA Alliance. “Indoor farming is here to stay, and can continue to play a rapidly growing role in feeding America.”
CEA Alliance members meet with leaders at the House Agriculture Committee office overlooking the Capitol.
Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) hosted meetings with CEA Alliance member growers with farms in their states.
CEA Alliance members gather on the National Mall preparing for their meeting with U.S. Department of Agriculture leaders.
Alliance members met with a number of Representatives, including Max Miller (R-OH), David Taylor (R-OH), Sanford Bishop (D-GA).