Food safety legislation, new standards for marketing foods to children and the Employee Free Choice Act legislation are just a few of the policy issues currently being debated on Capitol Hill. IDFA's Washington Conference offers its members an effective and timely opportunity to walk the Halls of Congress and tell their representatives about what matters most to dairy foods companies.

Washington Conference, June 17-18, offers dairy food executives a valuable review of pending legislation and provides training in grassroots techniques and networking opportunities with key members of Congress and top federal officials.

Keynote speakers include Kathleen Merrigan, the new Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Rep. David Scott (D-GA), chair of the Livestock, Dairy and Poultry Subcommittee of the House Agriculture Committee.  Merrigan will present an insider's view of the new administration and its evolving agricultural policy. Hear her view on policy issues such as food safety and reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Act. Scott will share his view from the Hill on agricultural, small business and other issues, and provide a look into how Congress is working with the new administration.

The Washington Conference will conclude with D.C.'s favorite summertime tradition – the Capitol Hill Ice Cream Party. This annual party, which will be held on June 18 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., is sponsored by the International Ice Cream Association, the Milk Industry Foundation and the National Cheese Institute, which are constituent organizations of the International Dairy Foods Association. Each year, the ice cream party brings together thousands of Washington-area ice cream lovers to celebrate America's favorite frozen treat!

The Conference will be held at the Hotel Monaco, a luxury four-star hotel within walking distance of many Washington landmarks. Register and make your hotel reservations today atwww.idfa.org/meetings/2009_washconference.cfm.

For more information, contact Ashley Ruch, IDFA political programs manager, ataruch@idfa.org or 202/220-3534.