Jun 19, 2018

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association leader Stuart to retire

Paul R. Orsenigo, chairman of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA), said in a communication to FFVA members that long-time FFVA President Mike Stuart has notified the board of directors of his intent to retire. A national search is underway to find a successor for Stuart.

Orsenigo issued the following statement on June 19:

“Mike’s leadership on major agricultural issues, his unique ability to develop strong coalitions and bring consensus on difficult matters, and his voice of reason in Tallahassee and in Washington are unparalleled,” Orsenigo said. “He has been the public face of Florida’s fruit and vegetable industry and one of its most significant leaders for more than 25 years.

Mike has spent his entire career in the fruit and vegetable industry. He holds leadership positions with numerous industry groups at the national and international level. He is a co-chair of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, an officer and board member of the Center for Produce Safety, and a board member of the Alliance for Food and Farming.

Among his many other leadership roles, Stuart serves onthe Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee, a group that advises the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on international trade matters. He also was a member and chairman of the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. He served two terms on USDA’s Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.

In addition, he has served as chairman of the board of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association and as a member of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association’s board of directors. He also has been on the Produce Marketing Association’s board of directors and served as a board member and chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation.”

A search committee has been appointed from among FFVA’s Board of Directors, and a national firm is carrying out a search for Mike’s successor. The committee’s goal is to have a recommendation for board consideration at FFVA’s annual convention in September. We wish Mike all the best in this exciting next chapter of his life.”

Stuart has worked in the produce industry throughout his career. Beginning as a produce merchandiser for a large southern California supermarket chain, Stuart has served for more than two decades as an association executive representing growers and shippers in Florida, California and Arizona.