Robert Sakata accepts the 2014 Grower Achievement Award.

American Vegetable Grower editor Rosemary Gordon presented Robert Sakata of Sakata Farms with the 2014 Grower Achievement Award.

Angela Tiwari, political affairs manager at United Fresh Produce Association, congratulates the 2014 Grower Achievement Award recipient, Robert Sakata.

FDA’s Mike Taylor, deputy commissioner for Foods and Veterinary Medicine, told the crowd at United Fresh's Washington Public Policy Conference that we all have a shared destination: safe food. He added that the states will have a big role in the oversight of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Grower Achievement Award recipient Robert Sakata (standing) visits with Lisa Locheridge, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Bob Morrissey, executive director of the National Watermelon Association; Betsy Morrissey, Bob's wife; and Don Hiller, the Class Produce Group and president of the National Watermelon Association.

(Left to right) James Barnett Jr., Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired) of Mission: Readiness; Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, deputy chief medical officer for the American Heart Association; Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh Produce Association; and Otha Thornton, president of the National PTA discuss how obesity in young people is an emerging threat to our national security.

Helping to raise awareness and promote watermelon consumption at United Fresh's Washington Public Policy Conference Sept. 8-10, 2014 are (from left) Jennifer Eadie, Georgia; Brooke Allender, South Carolina; Shelby Hurley, Maryland and Delaware; and Montana Savage, Alabama.

Fresh Festival on Capitol Hill, an annual event as part of the Washington Public Policy Conference, provided attendees with a sampling of a variety of fruits and vegetables including apples, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelon.

John Keeling, the National Potato Council's executive vice president and CEO, samples some mashed potatoes at the potato bar, which was a main attraction at the Fresh Festival. 

Pollster Frank Luntz told the crowd at the closing luncheon that the American dream is now defined as having more money.

After this photo the crowd of people visited their Congressmen to discuss issues such as labor, regulations, and child nutrition.