Molding Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

Any discussion about sustainability for agriculture involves more than production processes and profitability. It also means developing the next generation of leaders for our industry to ensure it continues to thrive. The inaugural class of FFVA’s new Emerging Leader Development Program was chosen over the summer by a selection committee and introduced at FFVA’s annual convention in September. They are Rob Atchley of A. Duda and Sons, Andy Ballard of Hundley Farms, Heather Banky of U.S. Sugar Corp., Michael Hill of Lakeshore Growers Inc., Jennifer Hodges of The Andersons Inc., Elizabeth Malek of Glades Crop Care Inc., Justin Roberson of Lipman Produce, April Roe Porter of Wm. G. Roe & Sons Inc., Adam Trott of Rabo AgriFinance, and Rachel Walters of Bayer CropScience.

These outstanding young people were the first chosen for the leadership program, which identifies and develops future leaders for Florida agriculture and, of course, for FFVA. The program’s overarching objective is to equip young leaders with knowledge of the issues facing agriculture and to give them the tools necessary to be successful advocates. Sonia Tighe, executive director of the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation, is leading the program.

Meet And Greet

The young leaders gathered at the association’s office in Maitland recently to hear about the work of FFVA and some of the most pressing issues facing Florida agriculture. The agenda was packed and the topics were wide-ranging. FFVA President Mike Stuart discussed the role of associations and how they help to shape agricultural public policy. The group also heard from FFVA Labor Relations Director Mike Carlton, who gave an overview of the current, difficult labor situation. Carlton talked about the consequences on agriculture of a national law requiring the use of E-Verify and the critical need for a workable guestworker program to give growers access to a legal, foreign-born workforce.

I had a chance to talk with them about FFVA communication to membership and to the public at large, and South Florida grower (and FFVA Executive Committee member) Paul Orsenigo discussed some of the issues confronting farmers in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Reggie Brown, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange, talked about some of the challenges tomato growers have dealt with in the past year. Kerry Kates, FFVA’s director of water and natural resources, discussed water quality and quantity issues, which are second only behind labor in terms of immediate impact to growers. Tighe talked about effective strategies in influencing opinions, and Florida Grower Editor Frank Giles had a wide-ranging discussion with the group about a variety of topics, including social media.

Atchley said the program is sure to broaden his horizons. “The Emerging Leader Development Program is going to provide me with broader exposure to the Florida agriculture industry — not just the citrus component that I’m used to — and help me become more familiar with industry issues that affect us all,” he said.

The network that the class members will build as they go through the program will be invaluable, said Banky.

Giving Back

The group also spent time finishing up its service project, the “Share Your Shirts” drive to benefit the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). The class members solicited donations of long-sleeved shirts to be given to the parents of children who are enrolled in some of RCMA’s centers. At the end of the seminar they sorted and folded the shirts, which were then delivered to RCMA in Plant City.

The class will next meet in Tallahassee in February with some elected leaders and FDACS officials. An April tour is on tap for production areas in the Tampa area, and the group will visit agricultural operations in California for a different perspective next July.

If you’re interested in supporting the program financially or nominating someone for the next class, contact Tighe at 813-975-8377 or [email protected].