The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) is seeking up-and-coming leaders who want to be more involved in FFVA to apply for participation in the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program.
Applications are due by June 13. Applicants should fill out the application form and the written agreement form and send them to Sonia.Tighe@ffva.com.
Launched in 2011, the yearlong leadership program identifies and develops leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. Program sessions provide a wealth of information on the many issues facing the industry and equip members to communicate about agriculture. Ultimately, program graduates can get involved to strengthen the future of specialty crop agriculture and grassroots engagement in FFVA and other industry organizations.
Following is the Class 15 schedule, which begins in November 2025 and runs through September 2026:
- FFVA 101 is a Nov. 11–13 session at FFVA offices in Maitland addressing current issues.
- A production trip to Hillsborough County will occur in January 2026.
- The class will make a legislative visit to Tallahassee in February 2026.
- A production trip to South Florida will occur in March 2026.
- A production trip to California’s Salina Valley will occur in June/July 2026.
- Graduation will occur during the FFVA Convention Sept. 21–23, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton in Naples.
The suggested age for participation in the program is 25 to 40. Applicants must be part of an FFVA member’s family or their company and must be working in or pursuing a career in Florida specialty crop agriculture. The class size is based on the recommendation of the program director to the FFVA Leadership Development Committee.
More information about the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program can be obtained from Program Director Sonia Tighe at 321-214-5245.
Source: FFVA
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