United in Advocacy: PBFA’s 2025 Lobby Day Brings the Plant-Based Industry to Washington

Date postedJune 3, 2025
PBFA News,

Written by: Sara McGoun

PBFA members, staff, and Board gathered for our second annual member-wide D.C. Lobby Day


From May 13–15, the Plant Based Foods Association proudly convened our member-wide Lobby Day in Washington, DC.—and what a powerful and inspiring few days it was. With 21 PBFA member companies in attendance and nearly 30 congressional meetings, our collective voice was heard loud and clear: the plant-based foods industry is a growing economic force all across the country, creating thousands of U.S. jobs and providing new opportunities for American farmers to grow crops like oats, beans, and mushrooms to fuel the plant-based market. PBFA members Impossible Foods and Oatly sponsored the event.

As our industry navigates legislative and regulatory challenges, moments like this month’s Lobby Day remind us of the strength we have when we come together. Our shared message centered around promoting legislation to expand domestic production of plant-based foods, and urging Congress to support fair markets and consumer choice by opposing harmful and unnecessary labeling bills—including the FAIR Labels Act, Consistent Egg Labels Act, DAIRY PRIDE Act, and Real MEAT Act. These measures, if enacted, could stifle industry growth and confuse rather than inform consumers.

We also had the opportunity to highlight our Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress, a roadmap for creating a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient food system.

PBFA advocates outside of the Capitol building Four men wearing lanyards stand in a row next to an American flag and an office wall plaque that reads "Senator Deb Fischer Nebraska." Three of the men are holding matching green folders. A meeting taking place inside a congressional office around a long dark wood conference table. Several advocates holding green folders are seated across from a lawmaker in a white and blue jacket. The wall behind them features several historical black-and-white photos. Seven advocates standing in a row on the outdoor plaza in front of the U.S. Capitol Building. They are dressed in business casual attire and suits, smiling under a cloudy sky. Five people posing for a photo indoors against a gray wall featuring the Great Seal of the United States, an American flag, and a California state flag. The group includes Representative Adam Schiff on the far left, Senator Alex Padilla on the far right, and three advocates wearing lanyards in the center. PBFA Board gathered at PBFA member reception Post-Lobby Day reception at the CTA Innovation House Plant-based spread at reception, featuring Impossible Foods skewers


In addition to our Hill meetings, PBFA also hosted members and Hill staffers for an evening reception. The event featured a delicious plant-based menu, including Impossible lemongrass skewers. PBFA Board President, Nicole Sopko of Upton’s Naturals, Oatly VP of Corporate Affairs, North America, Sara Fletcher, and PBFA Senior Director of Policy, Marjorie Mulhall all shared brief remarks with the crowd at this event..

We left Washington energized and optimistic. While challenges remain, so does our resolve. With continued engagement and a strong coalition of industry advocates, we are more prepared than ever to meet this moment and shape a robust future for our industry.

Thank you to all our PBFA members who participated, and to the Members of Congress and staff who took the time to meet with us. Together, we will continue to elevate the voice of the plant-based foods industry on Capitol Hill and beyond.

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