The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is seeking applicants for Class 16 of the Emerging Leader Development Program (ELDP).
Designed for professionals ages 25 to 40, the program has graduated more than 160 participants since 2011. Its purpose is to develop leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture.
Through immersive sessions and direct exposure to the industry’s top leaders, participants gain the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to influence policy and effectively advocate for specialty crops.
Graduates go on to make lasting contributions to the industry and enhance their careers. They are empowered to step into leadership roles and actively shape the future of Florida agriculture through the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) and other industry organizations.
PROGRAM SCHEDULE
The yearlong program starts in November and includes meetings with legislators and state officials in Tallahassee. It also includes visits to specialty crop production areas in Florida and California and seminars provided by Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) staff members and other experts.
View the full Class 16 schedule here. Attendance at all sessions is required to successfully complete the program. Applicants who are unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions or dates during the 2026–27 program year are encouraged to consider applying for the next ELDP cycle.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants should fill out the application form and review and sign the acknowledgement of requirements document. Applications are due by May 20.
Those applying 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.
More information is available from FFVA Director of Membership Bryn Fussell or by visiting the Emerging Leader Development Program website.
The Florida Specialty Crop Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 by FFVA to support research and educational activities that benefit Florida’s fruit and vegetable producers and farmworker families.
Source: FFVA
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