P.O. Box 948153
Maitland, FL 32794
www.ffva.com

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ray Gilmer or Barbara Wunder 321-214-5200

GROWERS LEARN TO SURVIVE IN THE FUTURE

ORLANDO, Fla. (September 27, 2005) A respected advisor to corporate and governmental leaders says agricultural producers need to pay attention to changing demographics and emerging technologies to remain competitive. Futurist Ed Barlow shared his insights as keynote speaker at Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's (FFVA) 62nd Annual Convention, September 25 - 27, at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, near Orlando.

His presentation, titled The Road Ahead for Florida Agriculture, focused on the ways that operations of all sizes can stay ahead of future trends. "An important component will be succession planning both in large corporations and in small family-owned business settings," Barlow said. "That means today's business leaders need to find out what the next generation will need to know to ensure the organization's future success."

Barlow, president of Creating the Future, Inc., a Michigan-based research and consulting firm, advises clients representing a variety of industries, government entities, and not-for-profit organizations. They include: Abbott Laboratories, American Hospital Association, Blockbuster, Federal Express, Hewlett Packard, Kimberly Clark, U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin, Marriott, Whirlpool Corporation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Assn. of Zoos and Aquariums, and the Federal Judicial Institute.

"Ed predicted many of the trade dynamics we are experiencing today such as the emergence of Asian markets. And he has always had a clear eye on labor and the environment," said FFVA President Mike Stuart. "We're pleased he was able to be with us at ChampionsGate," Stuart said.

Barlow's professional experience includes high-level positions in the healthcare industry and higher education. He has also testified before Congress on several occasions regarding issues of workforce, transportation, travel and tourism. He holds a master's degree in management from the University of Notre Dame.

"The major areas that we need to monitor are globalization, new science and technology, and changing demographics. There isn't any industry or profession or community that is exempt from these changes," said Barlow.

Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is an agricultural trade organization representing Florida's producers of fruits, vegetables and other crops.

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