Can We Build a Better Food System? D.C. Takeaways

My recent trip to Washington D.C. was a whirlwind of meetings, discussions, and advocacy, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of our government and the challenges and opportunities facing the agricultural sector. Our focus was primarily on advocating for PURIS' stakeholders (growers, our employees, our rural communities) alongside the USA Pulses team (comprised of processors, growers, and brands). While the political landscape is complex and often feels divided, I firmly believe we can create a more sustainable and equitable food system—but only if we continue to show up and demand it!

The Shadow of Fraudulent Organics:

The issue of fraudulent organic imports continues to cast a long shadow over the market. This not only undermines consumer trust but also creates an uneven playing field for domestic businesses like PURIS that are committed to partnering with organic farmers. Our conversations in D.C. reinforced the urgency of addressing this issue. We will be back in D.C. at the end of the month to meet with the National Organic Program (NOP) and are committed to holding importers accountable, more to come.

Shaping the Future of Food: The Dietary Guidelines:

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) have a powerful influence on our nation's health outcomes. Ensuring that pulses receive proper recognition in the DGA is a key priority for PURIS and the pulse industry. We are advocating for an increase in the recommended weekly consumption of pulses from 1.5 cups to 2.5 cups, highlighting their nutritional benefits and their role in a healthy diet. We support the science-based DGA process and want to ensure that pulses are categorized as both a protein and a vegetable. Pulses are a tool to drive great health outcomes, and frankly Americans don't eat enough of them. Don't believe me? Check out the consumption per capita and send me an email promising me you'll add a side of pulses to your dinner plate. 

The Farm Bill: A Landscape of Uncertainty:

The upcoming Farm Bill is a major source of uncertainty for the agricultural sector. With so much at stake, from commodity programs and crop insurance to research funding, my conversations in D.C. revealed a complex and evolving situation. Some predict delays, while others anticipate a reliance on previous versions of the bill. Our hope and expectation is that Congress can work together to get a farm bill passed this year. 

USA Pulses & House Agriculture Committee Staff

The Tariff Tightrope:

The ongoing tariff situation continues to be a major concern for the agricultural sector. The potential for trade wars and the resulting disruptions to supply chains and markets create significant challenges for businesses. My meetings in D.C. highlighted the differing perspectives on this issue, with some viewing tariffs as a negotiating tactic and others expressing serious concerns about their long-term impact. Navigating this complex landscape requires a nuanced understanding of the political dynamics at play and a proactive approach to mitigating potential risks. We are closely monitoring the situation and engaging with policymakers to ensure that our voice is heard in the ongoing trade debates. My biggest takeaway was the importance of having domestic suppliers/partners where possible and having contingency plans in place to manage risk during these "tariff times".  

Senator Tina Smith, MN & Lauren Perez Hoistad, PURIS Chief of Staff

Congressman Dusty Johnson, SD & The USA Pulses Team

This trip to D.C. underscored the interconnectedness of these issues. From fraudulent organics and the DGA to the Farm Bill and tariffs, these challenges and opportunities are all intertwined and have a significant impact on the agricultural landscape. By engaging with policymakers, and advocating, we can work to navigate these complexities.

My mom always says, the world is run by those who show up, and even when it feels like your voice can be lost in the noise, it's important to show up and demand for a better future.