WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Grocers Association (NGA) Government Relations Committee members from across the nation met in Washington, D.C. this week to discuss top federal priorities and strategize with several key CPG partners.

NGA members discussed advancing pro-growth tax policies, as well as OSHA’s vaccine mandate, the supply chain and labor crisis in more than 40 meetings with members of Congress and legislative staff.

Attendees were joined by the Deputy Director of the White House National Economic Council, the Senior Policy Advisor for Agriculture at the White House Domestic Policy Council, and the Ranking Member on the Senate Agriculture Committee, John Boozman (R-AR).

“The fly-in allows us to bring concerns from our hometown operations right to the steps of Congress and reinforce how important independent grocery operators are to the nation’s economy,” said Government Relations Committee Chairman Wade Payne, director of retail operations at Food Giant/ Mitchell Grocery in Alabama. “With inflation, supply chain and other challenges looming large, independent grocers are eager to work with policymakers on solutions for all our communities nationwide.”

Additionally, NGA President and CEO Greg Ferrara then testified Wednesday morning before the House Agriculture Committee on supply chain challenges and emphasized how enforcement of antitrust laws will help independent grocers better serve their communities.

“Our members are the strongest advocates for their industry and bringing their stories right to lawmakers’ front doors is essential.” Ferrara said.

About NGA

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation’s overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers’ associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit www.nationalgrocers.org.