One area where we've seen substantial activity is nutrition policy. From the release of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans to broader national conversations about food and health, bakers have been actively engaging with policymakers as they shape future regulatory and marketplace landscapes.

Importantly, the industry has not waited for mandates to act. Bakers have taken voluntary steps to phase out certified FD&C colors and remove ingredients such as azodicarbonamide (ADA) and potassium bromate. These actions demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the American consumer.

At the same time, trade remains front and center. The American Bakers Association is advocating to preserve the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) as a trilateral agreement and is educating policymakers on the importance of North American supply chains to the commercial baking industry. ABA is closely monitoring ongoing trade developments to assess potential impacts on ingredient sourcing, equipment purchases, packaging materials, and export opportunities, while continuing to advocate for policies that support a stable and competitive operating environment for commercial bakers.

ABA recently held its inaugural Global Supply Chain and Logistics Professionals Group Conference, engaging members on the evolving tariff landscape, supply chain challenges, and trade policy developments impacting the industry.

That is why ABA's theme for 2026 is simple: Advocacy Ignited.

Advocacy is most effective when policymakers hear directly from the people who make, distribute, and supply America's baked goods. Whether through grassroots engagement, member facility tours, or participation in industry advocacy events, every interaction helps build understanding and support for the commercial baking industry.

The American Bakers Association has spent the past year investing in new tools, resources, and relationships designed to strengthen industry engagement. We launched the Baking Feeds America campaign to elevate awareness among policymakers about the industry's economic and societal contributions. We expanded collaboration through the Congressional Baking Caucus, which now includes 15 bipartisan members committed to learning more about the issues affecting commercial baking. We also continue to partner with organizations across North America to create a stronger, more unified voice on shared priorities.

These efforts are making a difference, but they are only the beginning. As new Members of Congress step into leadership roles and agency leaders change, ABA is committed to helping educate these policymakers on the essential role commercial baking plays in supporting jobs, communities, and the nation's food supply. That engagement is especially important as Washington begins shaping new legislative and regulatory priorities. From nutrition and trade to workforce policy and manufacturing issues, policymakers need direct insight from industry leaders to fully understand the impact of their decisions on the companies that feed millions of Americans every day.

That is why the second half of the year presents such an important opportunity. ABA's Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit and NextGenBaker Leadership Forum, taking place September 15–17 in Washington, D.C., provides members with a direct seat at the table. The conversations that occur during these meetings with congressional offices help shape perceptions, build relationships, and create opportunities for practical, common-sense policy solutions.

The baking industry has always succeeded through collaboration, innovation, and resilience. As we look toward the remainder of 2026, those same strengths will continue to serve us well. The key is ensuring our collective voice is heard.

The future of our industry won't simply be determined by policy decisions. It will be shaped by the people willing to engage in them.

Related: State of the Industry 2026: Bakers continue rolling with the punches