The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) announced the selection of 13 up-and-coming leaders for Class 16 of its Emerging Leader Development Program. The program is an immersive, hands-on experience addressing the critical issues facing Florida agriculture. It helps class members develop the skills needed to lead within FFVA and beyond.
Since its inception in 2011, the program — administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation — has provided more than 170 individuals with leadership skills. Eleven program graduates have gone on to serve at the highest level within FFVA as members of the board of directors.
PARTICIPANTS SELECTED
Class 16 members are:
- Hunter Abowd of U.S. Sugar
- Shane Byers of Florida Crystals
- Cody Clark of Southern Hill Farms
- Cole Council of Council-Oxford, Inc.
- Robert Doyle of Maury L. Carter & Associates, Inc.
- Will Givens of Mixon Family Farms
- Evan Hayden of B&W Quality Growers
- Justin Mason of Organics Management Holdings
- Samuel Miller of Noble Ag
- Kayleigh Mollycheck of A. Duda & Sons
- Jamie Reyes of Lipman Family Farms
- Eyad “Eddie” Shuker of GP Farms, LLC
- Kyle Thompson of Harplyn Irrigation, Inc.
WHAT’S AHEAD
Over the next year, Class 16 will embark on a behind-the-scenes journey through Florida agriculture, gaining firsthand insight into the people, operations and policies that shape the industry.
Participants will visit FFVA headquarters, tour farming and packing operations across the state and engage with elected officials during the legislative session in Tallahassee. They will also travel to California to compare production practices and industry challenges. The experience will culminate with their graduation at FFVA’s annual convention in September 2027.
The program is designed for professionals aged 25 to 40. Class members 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.
Learn more about FFVA’s Emerging Leader Development Program here.
Source: FFVA
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