Washington, D.C.—The Natural Products Association (NPA) once again gathered industry members in Washington, D.C. for a fly-in day to advocate on behalf of the natural products industry. The event, which hadn't taken place in several years due to Congress being closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic, drew more than 100 prominent natural products industry stakeholders.

“This was a wildly successful event with great representation from our members,” said Kyle Turk, NPA Director of Government Affairs. “Over the last four years, we have faced and overcome tremendous challenges. From ensuring the dietary supplement supply chain was deemed essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, withstanding Food and Drug Administration (FDA) challenges to NMN, CBD, and NAC, to protecting against mandatory product listing which would’ve put the industry one step closer to being regulated as drugs, NPA’s members have exemplified what it means to be industry leaders. The natural products trade is stronger because of their participation in events like fly-in day.”

Industry members met with nearly 90 congressional offices, advocating for greater access to supplements through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). The goal: to ensure that the FDA is protecting consumers against adulterated products and strengthening the dietary supplement supply chain through friend-shoring and reshoring.

thumbnail_IMG_9532.jpgHeather Wainer joins industry members on Capitol Hill. 

 

WholeFoods  Magazine Publisher and VP of Media, Heather Wainer was among those who traveled to the Capitol for fly-in day. "It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces from across the country, and to meet new folks, too," Wainer shared. "I was very proud of our New Jersey Contingency."


Wainer added, "We must remember that we are in control of our situation, and we need to fight for what we feel is right. Write letters to your elected officials, and visit them to take care of the issues that affect your business. Your trade associations are there to help you stay on top of issues. Use your Resources!" Wainer will share more insights on the day in the July issue of WholeFoods Magazine.


Why do we do this? To protect Dietary Supplements, our ingredient suppliers and brands, the retailers who sell these products, and consumers who buy them. We also are working to create more opportunities and awareness.  


Those interested in learning more about how to get involved with NPA are encouraged to email Mike O’Hara at mohara@npanational.org.