McLean, Va. – Apple industry members attending the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (United) 2002 Produce Business Conference and Exposition will be treated to two apple-specific workshops and a late-afternoon reception, the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) announced this week.

“USApple is pleased to again provide a custom-tailored experience for apple industry members attending United 2002,” said USApple President and CEO Kraig R. Naasz. “In keeping with the theme of United’s convention, our focus is to provide industry members with the tools and information they need to succeed in their businesses.”

USApple is sponsoring two apple-specific workshops on Sunday, Feb. 17, as part of United 2002, to be held Feb. 15-18 in Orlando. The first workshop, “Marketing the 2001 U.S. Apple Crop: A Mid-Season Update,” will feature a panel presentation among leading industry marketers from across the country on the status of the 2001 U.S. apple crop and the outlook for the rest of the season.

The second workshop, “A View From Capitol Hill,” will feature Matthew Hill from the office of Sen. Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Brian Krisjansson from the office of Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.). As panelists, the two will share their thoughts on immigration reform, export promotion funding, food security and the farm bill, among other agricultural policy issues. USApple’s Naasz will moderate the congressional briefing workshop.

“This is a great opportunity for industry members to ask specific questions regarding crop conditions and agricultural policy,” said Naasz. “I encourage all those in attendance to take full advantage of this terrific opportunity.”

For more information on USApple events at United 2002, contact USApple Communications Manager Harriet Pimm by telephone at (703) 442-8850 or via e-mail at hpimm@usapple.org. To register for United 2002, contact United at (703) 836-3410 or visit its Web site at www.uffva.org/united2002.

The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 40 state apple associations representing 9,000 apple growers throughout the country, as well as nearly 500 individual firms involved in the apple business. USApple’s mission is to provide the means for all segments of the U.S. apple industry to join in appropriate collective efforts to profitably produce and market apples and apple products.