ABA Fly-In and Policy Summit Strengthens the Baking Industry’s Voice in Washington
The American Bakers Association (ABA), in partnership with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and the American Society of Baking (ASB), hosted the 2025 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit at the beginning of November in Washington, DC. Co-located with the Food Technical and Regulatory Affairs Professionals Group (FTRAC) Conference, the event united baking industry leaders from across the United States to engage directly with lawmakers and regulators on key legislative and policy priorities.
A total of 68 baking industry representatives met with 60 Congressional offices to discuss critical issues shaping the future of commercial baking, including nutrition, workforce development, and food security. Participants also joined sessions with Senator Steve Daines (MT), House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson (PA), and Congressmen Darren LaHood (IL), Nathaniel Moran (TX), Tony Wied (WI), and Mark Alford (MO). The programme featured expert insights from Neil Bradley, EVP of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; Arun Venkataraman, Partner at Covington & Burling; Shannon Meade and Jorge Lopez from Littler; and Helena Bottemiller Evich, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Food Fix.
To open the week, Congressman John Joyce (PA) and Congressman Donald G. Davis (NC), Co-Chairs of the Congressional Baking Caucus, introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives designating November as National Bread Month. The resolution celebrates bread as a nutritious, affordable, and culturally significant food staple, highlighting its contribution to nutrient intake and its role in providing nearly 40% of dietary fibre in the American diet.
The FTRAC Professionals Group Conference closed the week, convening regulatory, food safety, and nutrition policy experts to review emerging trends and provide guidance on industry positions that shape ABA’s advocacy before 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,” said 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,” added 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,” said 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.”
Founded in 1897, the ABA represents more than 375 member companies with over 1,200 commercial baking facilities and a wide network of suppliers. The association provides advocacy, research, and workforce development resources to promote growth and strengthen the baking industry as a key sector of the U.S. economy.