The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is pleased to announce the selection of 15 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders for the 8th class of our Emerging Leader Development Program for the coming year.
Jake Brown, Tater Farms
Christopher Campbell, Lipman Family Farms
Juan David Castro-Anzola, PGIM Ag Investments
Cathleen Conley, A. Duda & Sons
Tiffany Dale, Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc.
Josh Griffin, Grimes Produce Company
Cooper Hopkins, Hundley Farms
Brittany Hubbard, S & L Beans
Tyler Jacoby, Highland Precision Ag
Zach Langford, Syngenta Crop Protection
Breanna Lawyer, Corteva Agriscience
Justin Newsome, Bayer CropScience
Carla Rojas, Southern Gardens Citrus
Alison Sizemore, Sizemore Farms
Nick Wishnatzki, Wish Farms
Class 8 members will be introduced at FFVA’s 75th Annual Convention in Naples, Sept. 25-27. Class 7 will graduate at the event’s opening luncheon.
Launched in 2011, the program identifies and develops leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. The program sessions provide a wealth of information on the many issues facing the industry as well as tools to communicate about agriculture. Ultimately, graduates of the program can get involved to improve the sustainability of specialty crop agriculture and to strengthen grassroots engagement in FFVA and other industry organizations.
The yearlong program includes meetings with legislators and state officials in Tallahassee, seminars provided by FFVA staff members and other experts on current issues, tours of venues to study environmental issues and water management, and visits to specialty crop production areas.
“Class 8 is a diverse group with an interesting mix of commodities represented," said Sonia Tighe, program director and executive director of the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation. "In addition to learning from the operations we visit, they have an opportunity to learn from each other. I'm really looking forward to seeing the class build relationships and grow leadership skills in each of their unique positions."
Learn more about FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program.
Source: The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
