New Leadership Moves and More for Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) has named Adam Lytch, Regional Manager at L&M Farms in East Palatka, FL, to serve a two-year term as Chair through 2028. Eric Hopkins, Senior VP at Hundley Farms in Belle Glade, FL, was named Vice Chair. The appointments were made at the association’s recent board of directors and annual membership meetings. The formal meetings are part of FFVA’s annual convention agenda.

In his role with L&M, Lytch oversees the Florida farming and warehouse operations for one of the most expansive and diverse produce enterprises in the Southeast. A grower, packer and marketer of fresh produce nationwide, L&M grows fresh vegetables across eight Florida counties, reflecting the scale and diversity of the company’s agricultural operations throughout the state.

“Adam Lytch has been a respected leader in the produce industry for more than 20 years,” says Mike Joyner, FFVA President. “During his time on the FFVA board, he has helped champion the priorities of specialty crop growers in Florida and across the country, serving as a strong advocate at both the state and federal levels.”

FFVA members also voted to appoint Nick Wishnatzki, Public Relations Director of Wish Farms, to serve as a District Director on the board. Members also elected John Frey, VP at Frey Farms; Carleton Johns, VP at Tater Farms; April Roe Porter, co-owner of Noble Ag, and Daniel Sutton, VP of operations for King Ranch, to serve as at-large directors.

Also Happening at FFVA’s 2026 Annual Convention

FFVA named Publix Super Markets, Inc. its 2026 Customer of the Year, recognizing the company’s longstanding commitment to Florida growers and Florida-grown products. The award was presented during FFVA’s 82nd annual convention at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.

Nominated by FFVA producer members, the award recognizes a valued food service or retail partner that helps promote and market fresh Florida produce. Publix was nominated by three separate FFVA producer members, underscoring the broad respect and appreciation it has earned across the industry.

In addition, FFVA presented Dr. Kim Bowman with its 2026 Researcher of the Year Award. The honor is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to improving Florida agriculture.

For more than 30 years, Bowman has led citrus rootstock research for USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) in Fort Pierce, developing innovative solutions to improve citrus production and help growers address challenges such as HLB (aka, citrus greening). His accomplishments include the development of 15 citrus rootstocks that have been adopted by growers in Florida and around the world.

For more information, visit ffva.com.