As policymakers at the state and federal levels debate supplement regulation, consumer access, and federal oversight, it’s essential that the natural products industry makes its voice heard. Thankfully, our trade associations are working hard on that front. Alongside their year-round advocacy efforts, groups including the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), and the Natural Products Association (NPA), are heavily focused on bringing industry members to the rooms where it happens. 

First for 2026: NPA gathered more than 130 natural products industry members on Capitol Hill on May 12 for its annual Fly-In Day. Attendees met with lawmakers and legislative staff to advocate for policies affecting the industry. I attended as part of a group representing New Jersey. Get the full scoop: NPA Fly-In Day Brings Supplement Industry Priorities to Capitol Hill.

Next up, CRN’s annual Day on the Hill convenes on June 10 in D.C. This year’s agenda will focus on several key legislative priorities. CRN supports the Dietary Supplement Listing Act of 2026, which would establish a mandatory product registry at FDA. Another key priority is the Dietary Supplement Regulatory Uniformity Act, which would reaffirm FDA as the single national regulator for dietary supplements and help prevent a costly, confusing patchwork of state requirements. CRN also plans to advocate for expanded consumer access through policies that would make supplements eligible expenses under FSAs/HSAs.

“There is no substitute for sitting across the table from a lawmaker and explaining, in plain terms, what your company makes, who relies on your products, and what’s at stake when policy gets it wrong,” said Steve Mister, President & CEO of CRN. “When a member of Congress hears directly from an industry executive in their district — someone creating jobs and serving their constituents — it changes the conversation. That’s what Day on the Hill makes possible, and it’s why these face-to-face meetings are the most powerful tool we have.” Registration is open.

Then, on July 22, AHPA will host its 2026 Day on the Hill, bringing together AHPA members and industry stakeholders to meet with members of Congress and their staff. Discussions will cover pressing concerns ranging from regulatory priorities and supply chain challenges to the continued growth and integrity of the herbal products marketplace. Registration is open.

As NPA emphasizes, Fly-In Day is not about partisan politics, but about policy—and ensuring lawmakers understand the realities facing the natural products industry. Sitting in those meetings, it was clear to me that legislators and their staff truly want to hear directly from industry members about the challenges businesses and consumers face. Participating in these events and taking every opportunity to engage matters.

Daniel Fabricant, President and CEO of NPA, reminded attendees that “Change is inevitable; it is not optional,” underscoring the rapidly evolving regulatory and legislative landscape facing the dietary supplement sector.

Jim Emme, Chairman of NPA’s Board of Directors and CEO of NOW Health Group, encouraged attendees to view this not as a one-day event, but as part of an ongoing effort requiring consistent engagement with policymakers. 

Of course, we can't all make the trip to D.C. But we can all identify trade groups that align with our goals and participate in grassroots advocacy efforts, online campaigns, and industry letter-writing initiatives. In a rapidly evolving policy environment, staying engaged is key to protecting the future of the industry.