THE HISTORY OF FLORIDA FRUIT & VEGETABLE ASSOCIATION

FFVA began as the result of a group of 75 strong-willed war-time growers who banded together to fight arbitrary government regulation and other challenges of the time. Originally called the Florida Vegetable Committee, FFVA has grown and dedicated itself to meeting the needs of Florida’s producers of healthy fruits and vegetables since established in 1943.

1943 
The Florida Vegetable Committee is established at a meeting called by the Florida Farm Bureau at the Chamber of Commerce Building in Orlando.

Following the end of World War II, the Florida Vegetable Committee fights for Florida’s vegetable farmers in the areas of price controls, procuring legal workers, transportation issues, foreign competition and other challenges.

1948
The Florida Vegetable Committee becomes the Florida Growers Association, but after discovering another organization was using the name, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association becomes the organization’s permanent name. 

1950
FFVA announces it will construct its own headquarters to be located on East Colonial Drive in Orlando. Cost was not to exceed $40,000.

1951
With the Korean War not going well and a peace treaty not yet signed with defeated Japan, along with rising prices and shortages of some materials, FFVA supports re-establishment of the agricultural division of the Florida Defense Council. (The Defense Council was created in 1940 by Governor Frederick P. Cone to direct an effort leading toward total preparedness for Florida. It was disbanded in 1945.) Also in 1951, FFVA experiences its first legislative victory with a new law that gives perishable fruits and vegetables special recognition in dealing with foreign competition.

1956
Following a request from the National Highway Users Conference to adopt a resolution asking Congress to pass legislation clearing the way for the completion of the interstate highway system, FFVA balks, saying they preferred to watch the program as it progresses rather than offer a general endorsement.

1959
FFVA establishes an office in Tallahassee to better serve its members.

1960
FFVA approves a resolution to “urge the President of the Unite States to suspend or withdraw all trade concessions with Cuba, which was charged with acts of confiscation and association with the Soviet Union and being influenced, controlled and dominated by the world Communistic movement.”

1962
Because of the Cuban crisis and what it could mean to FFVA members, FFVA offers its services to the Office of the President through the director of the Manpower and Services Office.

1965
For the first time, FFVA maintains a Tallahassee office during the Florida legislative session.

1968
FFVA’s Harvester publication reports that economists have concluded that the per acre value of Florida farm real estate rose from $217 in 1960 to $306 in 1968. Total investment in Florida farm land increased to $4.7 billion in 1968, a 42 percent increase since 1960.

1970
New Florida laws regulate the sale, purchase, use and possession of certain pesticides, requiring dealers to be licensed and purchasers to obtain permits.

1974
FFVA is successful in its efforts to influence the Florida Legislature to pass the state’s “Right to Work” amendment, which allows public and private employees to choose whether or not to join labor unions.

1976
FFVA’s Executive Committee approves a new Associate membership category that will enable qualified individuals or organizations providing goods or services to Florida agriculture to become Trade Associate Members of FFVA.

1977
Fire breaks out at FFVA’s Orlando headquarters hours before the annual membership meeting takes place. Although damage is extensive, the meeting goes on as planned.

1981
FFVA adopts a resolution to lend full support to the fundraising drive of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association in its efforts to provide day care and education to the children of Florida farm workers.

1986
FFVA hopes the new Immigration Reform and Control Act will allow Florida growers to maintain an adequate labor supply.

1987
FFVA backs New York Congressman Frank Horton’s efforts calling for country of origin labeling for all imported produce.

1989
FFVA General Manager George Sorn works with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Clayton Yeutter to help members and their workers after a severe Christmas freeze tops off several freezes during the 1980s that cost many growers their livelihoods.

1992
South Florida growers suffer millions of dollars in damage when Hurricane Andrew hits in August, about a week before the usual planting schedule. Mostly affected are nursery and tree crops, but structural damage hurts all types of producers, packers and shippers.

1994
The North American Free Trade Agreement takes effect. For the three years prior, FFVA spoke out about the negative impact of NAFTA on Florida’s fruit and vegetable growers.

1995
Citrus canker is first detected in South Florida.

1997
Growers are required to follow strict production, handling and shipping protocols after Mediterranean fruit flies are discovered in the state. Also in 1997, FFVA establishes its Web site, www.ffva.com.

1998
After years of scientific and legal debate, growers in the Lake Apopka area agree to sell their land, property, buildings and equipment to the St. Johns River Water Management District to improve the health of the lake. Growers had spent millions of dollars trying to decrease runoff into the lake, but it wasn’t enough to stop the buyout.

2000
Federal agricultural inspectors at New York’s Hunts Point Terminal Market plead guilty to bribery charges. Following the scandal, FFVA works to reform USDA shipping inspections and supports restitution for defrauded shippers. Also in 2000, FFVA launches several new products and services for it members including payroll services, product recall, employer liability, and property and casualty coverage.

2004
Four hurricanes wreak havoc on the state’s crops, farm structures and equipment. Hurricane Wilma strikes a year later inflicting fresh damage.

2006
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance is formed to broaden the scope and efficiency of our nation's agricultural public policy. Its founding members include a variety of specialty crops organizations, representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants and other products. FFVA President Mike Stuart serves as co-chair of the group.