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FFVA 2011 brings you the latest information about topics of critical interest to the grower-shipper community. This year, the Annual Convention will kick off with a "State of the Industry" discussion featuring agricultural leaders who will provide their unique perspectives on issues that affect how you do business.

Panelists:

  • Adam Putnam, Florida Agriculture Commissioner
  • Jack Payne, University of Florida Senior Vice President
  • John Hoblick, Florida Farm Bureau President
  • Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association President
  • Mike Stuart, FFVA President, Moderator


    • The lineup of Issues Forums includes:

    Food safety and the FDA: Where we go from here

    Congress passed the Food Safety Modernization Act in 2010, placing more emphasis on prevention of food-borne illnesses and giving the U.S. Food and Drug Administration increased authority to address food safety problems. The agency is set to publish proposed regulation this year. Find out what direction the FDA is taking on this issue, which is critical for the entire food supply chain.

    The Future of Water Policy in Florida

    Water availability and water quality continue to be issues of concern for Florida producers. Competition for water resources is a reality in many parts of the state. Learn the latest on what lawmakers and regulators are doing to protect supply and the implications of state and federal water policy for your operation.

  • Drew Bartlett, Director of Environmental Assessment and Restoration, Florida Department of Agriculture
  • Rich Budell, Director of the Office of Agriculture Water Policy, Florida Department of Agriculture
  • Melissa Meeker, Executive Director, South Florida Water Management District
  • Moderator: Terry Cole, Oertel Cole Fernandez Bryant P.A.

    • A Look at Labor: Legislation and Regulation

    The landscape is changing quickly for agricultural employers. Immigration and E-Verify legislation is moving in Congress even as the H-2A guest worker program grows more difficult to use. Get an update on what’s going on in Tallahassee and Washington and learn about FFVA’s efforts to help ensure producers can have access to an adequate workforce.

  • Monte Lake, C.J. Lake LLC
  • Rob Williams, Director of Migrant Farmworker Justice Project, Florida Legal Services