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

NEWS RELEASE

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

FFVA MEMBERS GAIN ONLINE ACCESS TO RETAIL MARKET DATA

Association Hopes to Prevent Repeat of Post-Hurricane Price Fluctuations

Maitland, Fla. (March 28, 2005) In the wake of wildly fluctuating supermarket prices for some fresh produce items in the last several months, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) now offers its Producer Members exclusive online access to retail market data. The data surveys, posted weekly at FFVA's website, www.ffva.com, include pricing for tomatoes, peppers, sweet corn and green beans at supermarkets in six cities. The service was launched at the request of FFVA's Marketing Committee to allow Members to keep better track of retail pricing.

"Given the pricing swings experienced by tomatoes, peppers and other Florida commodities in recent months, the committee felt this was a needed service for grower/shippers," said FFVA President Mike Stuart.

The surveys are available to all FFVA Producer Members with Internet access. "In just a few clicks, our Members can find out the prices of certain commodities sold at retail stores in the U.S. and Canada," said Danny Raulerson, FFVA's director of membership, marketing and international trade. "By becoming a member, producers and handlers can become better informed of their marketplace and the pricing environment up the supply chain. The more informed a person is, the more competitive they can be in the industry."

To become a Producer Member and enjoy full access to all features of the website, call Danny Raulerson at (321) 214-5200 or contact FFVA via email at members@ffva.com. Membership information is also posted on the site.

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

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