One industry, one voice: How PTNPA brings the nut industry together

Peanut and tree nut processors compete within their commodity marketplace, but when speaking with their D.C. representatives, they are more effective when they speak with one voice.

As “The voice of America’s nut industry,” the Peanut and Tree Nut Processors Association (PTNPA) welcomed 24 member companies to Washington for the PTNPA D.C. fly-in from May 18-20. There, a broad delegation representing every nut commodity and suppliers met directly with federal agencies, lawmakers and regulatory leaders.

That wide representation was the point: A single processor knocking on a congressional door is a constituent with a concern. An entire sector arriving together is harder to ignore.

Why a collective voice matters

The nut industry is not small — it has an annual economic impact of $148.25 billion and supports more than 500,000 jobs. Yet economic weight does not automatically translate into political influence. Influence comes from showing up — together.

The policy challenges that bring processors to Washington rarely stop at the processing plant. A Farm Bill that funds export promotion, a trade agreement that keeps borders open, a regulatory standard that raises or lowers the cost of getting product to market — each of these ripples back down the supply chain to the orchards and fields where the crop begins. Often, growers and processors sit on the same side of these questions, which is why a unified industry voice carries weight that no single link in the chain could manage alone.

On the Hill

The fly-in delegation focused on three priorities: swift passage of the 2026 Farm Bill, with a push for increased funding for the Market Access Program (MAP) and the Foreign Market Development Program (FMD); reauthorization of the USMCA, underscored by the fact that Canada and Mexico are among the largest export destinations for U.S. peanuts, tree nuts and their products; and federal regulatory uniformity to replace the costly patchwork of conflicting state rules with a single, predictable standard.

Fly-in attendees carried those messages into meetings with members of Congress from both parties, including House Agriculture Committee chair Glenn “GT” Thompson; Rep. Jim Costa, chair of the House Agricultural Trade Caucus; and Rep. David Valadao, who co-chairs the House Specialty Crop Caucus alongside Costa.

Other meetings prioritized lawmakers representing PTNPA member companies and key industry constituencies as well as the committees overseeing trade, tax and agriculture policy.

Doing the homework first

Before heading to Capitol Hill, PTNPA members were briefed by administration officials and policy experts.

Conrad Choiniere, director of the FDA’s Office of Microbiological Food Safety, covered the agency’s food safety priorities. Jason Hafemeister, acting associate director of the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, detailed efforts to promote American agriculture abroad.

Veronica Colas of Hogan Lovells examined how state-level regulation is outpacing federal action, while colleague Martin Hahn surveyed the federal rules bearing down on the sector. Sarah Love Rawlings closed with a session on building the coalitions that translate practical needs into language lawmakers can act on.

PTNPA brings it all together

The voice of the nut industry in Washington is made stronger with every PTNPA member.

PTNPA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association that does not lobby on behalf of members, has no affiliation with a political action committee and makes no donations to political accounts.

PTNPA advocates by forming one industry voice and using it to educate political representation at every level about the challenges, threats and policy decisions that bear on the sector’s economic well-being.

That impactful work does not pause when the fly-in ends. The next PTNPA event in Washington is National Nut Day on Oct. 22.

The lesson of the May fly-in is straightforward — the marketplace rewards competition, but Washington rewards industry unity. For the nut industry, unity is built through an active PTNPA membership. The more member companies that lend their voice, the stronger the shared message that benefits all.

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FAQ

What is PTNPA?

PTNPA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association representing the peanut and tree nut processing industry.

What issues did PTNPA advocate for in Washington?

The delegation focused on the 2026 Farm Bill, export program funding, USMCA reauthorization and federal regulatory uniformity.

Who participated in the PTNPA fly-in?

Twenty-four PTNPA member companies participated.

Does PTNPA lobby or contribute to political campaigns?

The article states PTNPA does not lobby on behalf of members, is not affiliated with a political action committee and makes no political donations.

When is the next PTNPA Washington event?

National Nut Day is scheduled for Oct. 22.

To add the voice and impact of your company to the conversation, visit ptnpa.org.