FFVA Emerging Leaders Class Named

Ernie NeffEducation

FFVA

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently announced the selection of 15 up-and-coming agriculture industry leaders for Class 11 of its Emerging Leader Development Program.

 Class 11 members are:

  • Miles Armstrong, TradeMark Nitrogen, Tampa
  • Jackson Autry, Everglades Equipment, Belle Glade
  • Ben Backus, DLF Packing, Fort Pierce
  • Matt Bardin, Glades Crop Care Inc., Jupiter
  • Gracelyn Byrd, U.S. Sugar, Moore Haven
  • Leo Camelo, Harris Moran, Tampa
  • Jason Chandler, Grimmway Farms, Mayo
  • Charlie Hurst, PGIM Real Estate, Vero Beach
  • Carisa Keller, Alico Inc., Punta Gorda
  • Dan Kimble, Harplyn Irrigation, Arcadia
  • Chris Meyer, Corteva Agriscience, Bradenton
  • Jake Rothert, Rothert Farm Inc., Okeechobee
  • Chacen Taylor, Lipman Family Farms, Naples
  • John Watson, Florida Foundation Seed Producers, Gainesville
  • David Wheeler Jr., Wheeler Farms, Inc., Lake Wales

During the year ahead, participants will visit FFVA’s headquarters to learn about all facets of the association and tour farming and packing operations in Florida. They will meet in Tallahassee with elected officials and state leaders during the legislative session, and travel to the heart of California’s agricultural region to get an even broader perspective. Class 11 will graduate at FFVA’s annual convention in September 2022.

This year, the program marked a decade of identifying and developing young leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. Creation of the Emerging Leader Development Program in 2011 has provided more than 110 young leaders with an immersive experience on the many issues facing the agriculture industry. It has also taught them how to be leaders within FFVA. Six graduates have gone on to serve as members of the FFVA board of directors.

The Emerging Leader program is administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. The foundation’s goal is to support research and educational activities that benefit Florida’s fruit and vegetable producers and farmworker families.

Learn more about FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program.

Source: Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

Share this Post

Sponsored Content