Fresh produce group spent $206K lobbying in 1Q

WASHINGTON—The United Fresh Produce Association, which represents farmers, grocers and restaurant chains, spent $206,600 lobbying the federal government in the first quarter.

The group lobbied on government nutrition programs, food safety regulations, a proposed guest worker program and other issues.

Members of the association include Safeway Inc., McDonald's Corp. and Kroger Co.

Besides Congress, the group lobbied the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Agriculture, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the first three months of the year, according to the form filed April 21 with the House clerk's office.