FFVA’s 66th Annual Convention brought together several hundred
members of the agriculture industry and others for several days of
education, discussion of issues and good times. The convention was held
September 27-29 at The Breakers in Palm Beach.
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Congressman Adam Putnam addressed the annual "Traditional Cracker
Breakfast."
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Highlights included Congressman Adam Putnam’s words about the
future of the industry in Florida, insider information about the Apollo
13 mission from astronaut Fred Haise, opportunities to connect with old
friends and associates, and timely sessions on issues of concern:
traceability, sustainability and crisis communication.
“Traceability: What’s Ahead?” featured panelists
Gary Fleming, vice president of Industry Technology and Standards at the
Produce Marketing Association; Alan Newton, vice president of
Informational Services, Duda Farm Fresh Foods; William M. Pool, manager
of Agricultural Production and Research, Wegmans; and Jane Proctor, vice
president of Policy and Issue Management, Canadian Produce Marketing
Association. The four leaders offered their perspectives on the
importance of traceability and where an industry-driven effort, the
Produce Traceability Initiative, stands.
Attendees also learned how to assess their risks of a crisis and what
to do to be ready to deal with potentially negative publicity through
“Crisis Planning and Communication: Are You Ready?” Public
relations consultant Jim Mulhern of the Washington, D.C., firm Watson
Mulhern discussed what producers need to know given recent developments
on food safety legislation.
The third topic, “Sustainability: Implications for
Agriculture,” included a discussion on the meaning and
implications of market- and customer-driven demands for sustainable
practices. Hank Giclas, vice president of Science and Technology at
Western Growers Association, and Tom Stenzel, president of United Fresh
Produce Association, served as industry experts leading the session.
Convention participants also enjoyed a fishing excursion in the
coastal waters off Jupiter, the Specialty Crop Foundation’s annual
golf tournament, and other enjoyable breaks in the action.
AWARDS GO TO DESERVING INDIVIDUALS
One of the most-attended events in any FFVA convention is the annual
awards luncheon. This year’s event took place in the beautiful
Circle Room at the Breakers.
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Nakita Shim receives the Syngenta Scholarship.
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During the luncheon, FFVA presented its Merchandiser of the Year Award
to Steve Williams, director of produce and floral for Sweetbay
Supermarket, headquartered in Tampa. In nominating the company, Adam
Lytch, grower development manager for eastern vegetables and melons for
L&M Farms, said, “Steve Williams and his team at Sweetbay
really define the word ‘merchandising.’” Lytch singled
out Williams’ efforts to promote Florida strawberries and peaches.
“Steve visited several of the growers himself and really developed
an understanding and appreciation for what our Florida growers go
through every day.”
The Researcher of the Year Award went to Dr. Kenneth Pernezny, the
recently retired associate center director of the Everglades Research
and Education Center. Dr. Christine Waddill, director of the center and
the Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, said in her
nomination, “I consider Ken’s contributions to be exemplary
in all ways and would rate him in the top 5 percent of plant
pathologists nationwide.”
Legislator of the Year awards were presented to state Rep. Trudi
Williams and Sen. Charlie Dean. The association also honored former Rep.
Joe Pickens as its Ag Partner of the Year.
As chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Dean sponsored bills
last session that assisted the state’s agriculture industry
including the Pest Control Compact (SB 1286) and the general agriculture
bill.
Williams, as Chairman of House Agriculture & Natural Resources
Committee, worked to ensure that the interests of growers, packers and
shippers were not adversely affected by legislation.
Pickens represented District 21 from 2000 to 2008 and recently became
president of St. Johns River Community College. During his legislative
tenure, Pickens sponsored several major ag industry bills, including the
Agricultural Enclave Bill.
Finally, in a nod to the future of the industry, FFVA Chairman Jim
Mercer announced Jose Martinez and Suleyma Sanchez had been awarded the
George F. Sorn scholarship for children of Florida farmworkers. Jose and
Suleyma each received $1,500 scholarships. Meade McDonald of Syngenta
and Jose Cabrera of Rogers Seeds presented the Syngenta Scholarship to
Nakita Shim.
The 11th annual Benefit Auction, sponsored by the Florida Specialty
Crop Foundation, raised $12,600 to help fund the Sorn Scholarship
fund.
Next year’s convention will be held Sept. 19-21, 2010, at the
Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Watch for more information in the months to
come.
View additional convention photos
here.
