The forum, hosted by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, will be held September 17-18 at the Holiday Inn International Drive Resort in Orlando. The event is sponsored by the Florida Department of Citrus and nine other ag entities, including FFVA.

The purpose of the forum is to share with Florida ag employers practical information on the value of sound employee relations through education of management.

“The forum helps educate and update agricultural employers on rules and regulations they have to follow in their operations,” said Mike Carlton, Florida Specialty Crop Foundation’s executive director. “Agriculture is the most labor-regulated industry in the country,” Carlton said.  “The goal is to help growers and other ag employers to be in compliance through comprehensive education.”

The forum has a 35-year history, this year’s event is expected to host up to 250 attendees, including growers and companies related to specialty crops, Carlton said.

Frank Gasperini, executive vice president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, will discuss legislation that could affect ag employers.

Serving as keynote speaker is Frank Gasperini, executive vice president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers, who will offer perspective on legislative and regulatory trends.  Gasperini will cover health care legislation and its impact on the farming sector, unionization issues including the Employee Free Choice Act, Department of Homeland Security enforcement priorities, immigration policy and AgJOBS legislation, as well as the general state of federal legislative and administration direction.

Gasperini says the days are over when agriculture could depend on elected officials and regulators to understand the importance of the industry and the difference between what agriculture needs to be successful compared with other businesses.

“It's not that there is a plan to harm agriculture. The problem is that most government officials do not understand how to help. Like other Americans, our government officials are increasingly removed from the production of food, fiber, nursery and ornamentals, and other agricultural products,” Gasperini said. “It's increasingly important that we all support and participate in our state and federal associations to ensure that there is constant education and lobbying to assure our laws and policies keep American agriculture strong and healthy.” 

Eight workshops will address a wide range of issues including workers’ compensation, wage and hour law, food safety and immigration. Some of the same topics are presented each year, such as wage and hour law, but the focus is on a different aspect each time.

The topics are universal, and the forum is not limited to Florida growers and companies. Attendees from other states can greatly benefit from the forum as well.

The Agricultural Labor Relations Forum is well-established, and the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation has brought in experienced individuals highly trained and well-versed on the issues being presented, Carlton said.

The foundation’s mission is to benefit the general public through initiatives that provide solutions to challenges facing specialty crop producers and their stakeholders.

The foundation’s goal is to find solutions to the challenges agricultural producers face through research, education and community. Funding for research is awarded through a standard proposal and selection process. In addition to the forum, the foundation supports educational programs such as a college scholarship for migrant children. The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation also works with the Redlands Christian Migrant Association via philanthropic efforts.

For more information about the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, visit its  Web site. For registration and other information about the forum, e-mail or call Mike Carlton at 321-214-5200.