Jul 27, 2017

FFVA selects next class for Emerging Leader Development program

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has selected 10 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders to participate in its Emerging Leader Development Program for the coming year.

The 2017-2018 Class 7 members are Myles Basore, TKM Bengard; Maria Cavazos, R.C. Hatton; Catherine Cellon, Duda Farm Fresh Foods; Philip Grigsby, Premier Ag Finance; Brent Johnson, DuPont; Frankie Montalvo, Glades Formulating Corp.; Justin Pettit, Blue Hammock Farms; Daniel Rifa, U.S. Sugar; Adam Roe, Wm. G. Roe and Sons; Shane Rogers, J&J Family of Farms.

Launched in 2011, the program identifies and develops leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. The program sessions provide information on the issues facing the industry as well as tools to communicate about agriculture. Ultimately, graduates of the program can get involved to improve the sustainability of specialty crop agriculture and to strengthen grassroots engagement in FFVA and other industry organizations.

The yearlong program includes meetings with legislators and state officials in Tallahassee, seminars provided by FFVA staff members and other experts on current issues, tours of venues to study environmental issues and water management, and visits to specialty crop production areas.

“It’s exciting to start another class for the Emerging Leader Development Program,” said Sonia Tighe, program director and executive director of the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. “Class 7 has an interesting mix of commodities represented, which will make it more educational for them. They always learn from each other as well as the operations we visit.”

More about FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program can be found at http://www.floridaspecialtycropfoundation.org/leadership.