CONVENTION SESSIONS TO TACKLE BIG ISSUES

Three of the biggest challenges facing Florida growers will be featured in depth this week during the educational sessions at FFVA’s 65th Annual Convention in Naples.

Sustainability: Implications for Florida Agriculture will examine the increasing global movement by retail and foodservice produce buyers towards an environmentally-friendly and socially-conscious supply chain. The session takes place Monday, Sept. 22 from 3-5 p.m. and will be moderated by Jim Prevor, the Perishable Pundit, and features panelists Andrew of Sharp of UK retailer Mack Multiples and Tim York of Markon Cooperative.

Food Safety: Is Regulation in Our Future? features three of the key national players in the food safety debate: FDA Associate Commissioner for Food Dr. David Acheson, Rep. Adam Putnam, and United Fresh Produce Association President Tom Stenzel. The panel will address the likelihood of industry regulation in the wake of this summer’s salmonella outbreak. The session is set for Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.

The third session, Immigration Reform: What’s Ahead?, will focus on the outlook for Congressional action on comprehensive reform and the impact of new INS and DOL regulations on employers. Featured speakers in this session are Monte Lake of Siff and Lake, Washington, D.C., and Craig Regelbrugge, co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Immigration Reform. The session will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at 11 a.m.