ABA hosts Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit
The event gave a voice to baking and supplier perspectives on critical issues.
This week, the American Bakers Association (ABA) hosted the 2025 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, in partnership with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and the American Society of Baking (ASB) in Washington, D.C. The event, co-located with the Food Technical and Regulatory Affairs Professionals Group (FTRAC) Conference, convened baking industry leaders from across the country to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. Bakers and suppliers met with representatives from Congress and regulatory agencies to address the legislative and regulatory priorities shaping the future of commercial baking and ensure the industry’s collective expertise informed policy development.
Sixty-eight baking industry representatives participated in the 2025 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit, meeting with 60 Congressional offices to amplify the unified voice of the baking community with policymakers. The event also featured special events with Senator Steve Daines (MT), House Agriculture Committee Chair, G.T. Thompson (PA), Congressmen Darren LaHood (IL), Nathaniel Moran (TX), Tony Wied (WI), and Mark Alford (MO), as well as programming with expert speakers including Neil Bradley, EVP from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Arun Venkataraman, partner at Covington & Burling on the status of trade and tariff issues; Shannon Meade and Jorge Lopez from Littler discussing immigration issues; and Helena Bottemiller Evich, founder and editor-in-chief of Food Fix. This multifaceted event aimed to ensure baking and supplier perspectives were heard on critical issues affecting nutrition, workforce, and food security.
To start the bakers’ week in Washington, Congressman John Joyce, M.D. (PA) and Congressman Donald G. Davis (NC) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives recognizing November as National Bread Month. Having the co-chairs of the Congressional Baking Caucus introduce this resolution celebrating bread as a nutritious, affordable, and culturally significant staple food was a momentous way to begin not only the Fly-In but National Bread Month, the organizations say. The resolution highlights the role of enriched and whole grain breads in reducing nutrient deficiencies and contributing nearly 40% of dietary fiber in the American diet.
To close out the week, the FTRAC Professionals Group Conference brought together regulatory, food safety, and nutrition policy leaders from across the baking industry to discuss the rapidly evolving food policy landscape. The session featured an update from a congressional representative on the MAHA Congressional Caucus. The conference underscored FTRAC’s role in defining industry consensus on food safety and nutrition priorities, guidance that informs ABA’s advocacy with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This year’s Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit was more impactful than ever. It showcased the strength and unity of the baking industry’s voice in Washington and advocated on timely and important issues,” says ABA President and CEO Eric Dell. “When our members come together to engage directly with lawmakers and regulators, we not only advocate for the future of baking, we demonstrate the essential role our industry plays in supporting America’s economy, health, workforce, and food security.”
“This event continues to demonstrate the power of collaboration across all segments of the baking industry,” says Kristen Spriggs, executive director of ASB. “It was an honor to partner with ABA and RBA to bring together leaders from wholesale, retail, and supplier organizations for meaningful discussions on workforce, nutrition, and regulatory priorities.”
“Retail bakeries play an essential role in every community, and it’s critical that their voices are represented in policy conversations that shape the future of our industry,” says Marissa Velie, executive director of RBA. “The Fly-In and Policy Summit brings together bakery owners from across the country to connect, learn, and advocate for the continued success of small businesses. These conversations with lawmakers help ensure that local bakeries have the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive for generations to come.”
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
