Members of the Emerging Leader Development Program got a firsthand look at the legislative process and Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s activities to protect and promote Florida agriculture during a two-day February session in the state capital.

The group met with lawmakers and other state leaders to discuss issues facing agriculture and bills moving through the Legislature.

Next stop is in April to visit the vegetable- and berry-producing areas around Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties.

NEW - Applications for the 2012-13 ELDP are now available here. Learn more about the upcoming program here.

2011-2012 Class

April Roe Porter - Wm. G. Roe & Sons
Justin Roberson - Lipman Produce
Adam Trott - Rabo AgriFinance
Rachel Walters - Bayer CropScience
Rob Atchley - A. Duda and Sons Inc.
Andy Ballard - Hundley Farms
Heather Banky - U.S. Sugar Corp.
Michael Hill - Lakeshore Growers Inc.
Jennifer Hodges - The Andersons, Inc.
Elizabeth Malek - Glades Crop Care Inc.

Program objectives:

• To equip potential leaders with a depth of knowledge of the many issues facing agriculture and provide them with the education and tools to deal with these issues
• To better prepare younger leaders so they can improve the sustainability and economic viability of specialty crop agriculture
• To improve the grassroots engagement and involvement in FFVA and other industry organizations.

Producer and trade members of FFVA may nominate individuals ages 25 to 35 within their organizations or families to participate in the program. 

Participants must be working in or pursuing a career in Florida’s specialty crop industry.  A class of eight to 10 members will be selected for the one-year program.

The program's seminars include meeting with legislators in Tallahassee, meeting with FFVA staff members and other experts on current issues, visiting venues to study environmental and natural resource issues, and touring specialty crop production areas.

If you are interested in contributing to FFVA's Emerging Leader Development Program, please contact Sonia Tighe at sonia.tighe@ffva.com 

“The FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program will identify young people who are pursuing careers in agriculture and have the desire to broaden their understanding of our industry. FFVA will benefit from the service of the graduates through their future involvement in the association and beyond.” -- FFVA Board Member Paul Orsenigo.