The Natural Products Association (NPA) hosted its members and other industry supporters from across the nation for its 19th Annual Natural Products Day (NPD) in Washington, D.C. on April 12 and 13.
 
NPD attendees, including retailers, suppliers and other industry members, met with over 75 members of Congress and staff to educate them on the industry’s issues and natural products’ role in preventive health and overall wellness.

 
Dr. Daniel Fabricant, executive director and CEO of NPA, kicked off NPD with advocacy training along with NPA’s veteran lobbyists. The training session gave attendees an outline on how best to inform their elected officials on the natural industry and current issues to focus on while talking with legislators and congressional staff. The advocacy training prepared attendees for a successful lobby day, and provided the necessary tools to continue building strong relationships with their lawmakers.
 
Congressional Dietary Supplement Caucus member, Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wisconsin) addressed the attendees, voicing his support of the industry and admiration for the industry supporters taking the time to come to Capitol Hill. He also gave the attendees helpful advice on meeting with legislators and congressional staff. While Rep. Ribble’s term is ending this year, NPA appreciated his continued support of the industry.
 
Following the advocacy training, the NPA Political Action Committee (NPA PAC) hosted a reception. The reception was highly attended, and Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) stopped by and spoke of his support for the natural products industry. The NPA PAC is currently the largest PAC of any trade association in the natural products industry.
 
On the day of the event, attendees met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff from their districts and states to educate them on the natural products industry and current issues. During these meetings, attendees shared position papers provided by NPA to make certain offices were fully informed on the current issues in the industry, and on the health and economic benefits of natural products.
 
Additionally, legislators and staff also learned about a grassroots campaign that NPA is currently running regarding the Health Savings Act of 2016, which would allow reimbursement for dietary supplements through Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Savings Account (FSA).
 
The day on Capitol Hill concluded with a Congressional reception held in the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
 
“The more voices we have advocating for the natural industry will make our efforts even more successful and our industry stronger,” said Dr. Daniel Fabricant. “NPD is a successful day for our industry, but it shouldn’t stop there, we need everyone to maintain communication with their senators and representatives and keep them informed on the current issues. We encourage everyone to continue to make our voices heard through NPA’s grassroots efforts, and encouraging others to do the same, which will unite this industry as one robust voice.
We appreciate our loyal industry supporters who took time out of their schedules to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. NPD was a success, with our attendees getting our issues heard and informing their legislators of critical information regarding the issues. NPD aids the foundation for developing and evolving relationships with current and future industry champions.” 
 
NPA will continue to work with all members of Congress to strengthen the industry’s position in the political landscape. Stakeholders can learn how to get involved at NPAinfo.org.