MAITLAND, Fla. – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association introduced the fourth class of up-and-coming agricultural industry leaders selected to participate in its Emerging Leader Development Program at FFVA’s 71st Annual Convention in Naples.
The 2014-2015 class members are John Alderman of Duda Farm Fresh Foods, John Beuttenmuller of Florida Foundation Seed Producers Inc., Dan Bott of Premier Citrus Management, Nathan Decker of Monsanto, Matthew Griffin of Lipman Produce, Dustin Grooms of Fancy Farms Inc., Teddy McAvoy of SynTech Research Inc., Paul Miller of Pioneer Growers Co-op, Meghan Pasken of Glades Crop Care, and Shine Taylor of DuPont Crop Protection.
The program identifies and develops leaders who are prepared with a depth of knowledge of the many issues facing agriculture. It helps provide them with the education and network needed to become strong, effective advocates for Florida specialty crop agriculture. The program also strengthens grassroots engagement in FFVA and other industry organizations.
FFVA launched the Emerging Leader Development Program in 2011. The 11 members of Class 3 graduated at the convention and had a chance to get to know and encourage the upcoming class.
“We’re so pleased with how the program is evolving,” said Sonia Tighe, who leads the program as executive director of the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, which funds the program. “Each class distinguishes itself with unique talents and interests. They are engaged from the very beginning and immerse themselves in each session. The next class also is an outstanding group, and we’re looking forward to the activities of the coming year.”
The yearlong program includes meetings with legislators 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 in Florida and California.
More information about FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program can be found on the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation’s website, floridaspecialtycropfoundation.org.
Source: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
