WASHINGTON, DC — Commercial and retail bakers and suppliers from across the country had the opportunity to connect directly with policymakers in Washington, DC, last week to advocate for policy issues that will shape the industry’s future. The gathering was part of the 2026 Bakers Fly-In and Policy Summit hosted by the American Bakers Association (ABA) in partnership with the Retail Bakers of America (RBA) and the American Society of Baking (ASB).
“The baking industry has an incredible story to tell, and our advocacy communications campaign, Baking Feeds America, is helping us tell it in a bigger, more visible way,” said ABA president and CEO Eric Dell. “This week, commercial and retail baking leaders came together to tell that story directly to policymakers, demonstrating the strength of our collective voice and the impact we can have when we advocate for our industry.”
The event featured special sessions with congressional representatives; Kyle Diamantas, the acting commissioner of food and drugs at FDA; and Courtney Walter, chief of staff for the US Department of Labor. Programming also included expert speakers from Covington & Burling LLP’s Food, Drug and Device Practice Group; the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for the US Department of Transportation; and AMERIPEN.
“The Bakers Fly-In gives retail bakers an opportunity to share their stories directly with policymakers and make sure the voice of small bakery businesses is represented in the conversations and decisions that impact our industry,” said Marissa Sertich, executive director of RBA.
Advocacy campaign in the spotlight
ABA’s Baking Feeds America advocacy campaign was front-and-center at the Fly-In, with bakers emphasizing to policymakers how the industry nourishes families, creates jobs, supports communities and contributes to the nation’s economy.
Participants highlighted the prominence of baked goods in American households and the benefits of enriched and whole grain breads as important sources of fiber, iron, magnesium, B vitamins and other essential nutrients.
That message was amplified across Washington through advertisements at Reagan National Airport, bus shelters, a mobile digital billboard, and materials provided to congressional offices.
“Bringing baking professionals together in Washington strengthens the connections and collective voice needed to advance our industry,” said Kristen Spriggs, ASB CEO. “Through our partnership with ABA and RBA, leaders from across the baking community can share real-world perspectives with policymakers and demonstrate why the issues being debated in Washington matter to baking businesses, their employees, and the communities they serve.”
More than 100 baking leaders attended the event and shared the industry’s message with approximately 100 congressional offices.
