WHY JOIN FFVA?
From The Harvester, September 1967
Why should I join FFVA? Because FFVA needs you and you need the
services, talents and strength of numbers that FFVA offers. Yes, you can
grow and sell a good crop of fruits and vegetables by yourself. But you
can’t fight harmful agricultural legislation in Tallahassee alone;
you can’t fight Washington about peon labor-produced imports
alone; you can’t meet agricultural labor problems alone; and you
can’t advertise your crop as effectively as a group can.
FFVA serves the grower by performing those tasks that are best done
by cooperative efforts. The stronger FFVA is numerically and
financially, the better its chances of protecting fully the interests of
Florida agri-business.
What is FFVA? FFVA is a group of growers, packers, shippers and
processors of citrus, tropical fruits, sugar cane, vegetables and other
commodities who’ve banded together to do collectively what the
individual grower can’t do for himself in dealing with public and
private agencies. To some, it’s a signpost for survival.
What’s in it for me? Here are outlines of five of the many
services provided members. 1. The Transportation and Communications
Division negotiates constantly to maintain favorable freight rates and
communications channels; 2. The Production and Marketing Division
develops and oversees grower-controlled marketing and research programs;
3. The Public Relations Division publicizes work of the association and
provides technical services for product promotions; 4. The Membership
and Industry Relations Division maintains liaison with members and
allied industries; and 5. The Labor Division battles to provide an
adequate supply of qualified workers for members. Are these services
that you can do without?
What are some of FFVA’s accomplishments? The Celery Improvement
Committee developed the eminently successful Florida 2-13 strain of
celery; through its Sweet Corn Committee, the association pioneered the
first voluntary commodity promotional campaign of any Florida vegetable.
From these efforts came programs for promotion of celery, potatoes and
pole beans.
In labor matters, the association has provided supplemental labor and
aided in recruiting domestic labor.
The association holds a successful convention each year to bring
Florida growers in contact with tradesmen from throughout the U.S.,
Canada and foreign countries. A chief duty of FFVA is to operate
in every area where concerted effort and representation will produce
benefits for the good of Florida agricultural producers.
Won’t I be a small voice lost in a crowd of large voices? No,
and here’s why. The organization setup of FFVA gives all members a
voice in making the policies that govern the association. Of the 29 men
on the board of directors, 27 are elected by members and the other two
are the immediate past president of FFVA and the Commissioner of
Agriculture.
The state is divided into 12 FFVA districts with a director
representing the members in each district. There are various functional,
commodity and special committees all formed to communicate specific
problems to the board of directors.
FFVA is not operated for any group, large or small. Actually
it’s a fine example of how small and large growers work together
through association, each supporting the other. The success of all
Florida growers is based on the continued support of FFVA by both large
and small growers.
How much does it cost and when do I pay? Grower members pay dues on
all sales of assessable commodities and pay additionally for any special
services received. Associate members pay membership dues based upon the
services they receive and the rates are established annually by the
board of directors.
Remember – FFVA is an association formed to promote the
interest of Florida agri-business – the success of its efforts
depends upon your participation and support.