FFVA provides fresh producers with array of services
FFVA provides fresh producers with array of services
For more than 70 years, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has provided its members with a host of valuable programs and services. “FFVA’s producer membership comprises the vast majority of fresh fruit and vegetable production in the state,” said Director of Public Affairs Lisa Lochridge.
“For more than seven decades, our members have benefited from a wide range of services and expertise,” Lochridge continued. “We provide Florida’s producer/shipper community a strong, credible voice in our state capital and in Washington, D.C., with legislators and regulators.”
Eric Hopkins of Hundley Farms inspects a field of sweet corn in Loxahatchee, FL. (Photo courtesy of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association)Lochridge said members also gain access to a team of Florida agriculture’s leading experts in key areas such as workforce issues, crop protection, water management, food safety and sustainability, crisis communication and media training.
“In addition, FFVA secures for our members specific registrations for crop-protection chemicals needed on minor specialty crops — tools that wouldn’t be available to them otherwise,” she said.
“Our leadership development program is going strong as well. Through this year-long program, we identify up-and-coming young professionals and give them the information and tools they need to become strong advocates for agriculture,” Lochridge added.
Florida growers move an array of fresh commodities during the fall and winter seasons.
“They include tomatoes, peppers, green beans, lettuce, sweet corn, citrus, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, strawberries, squash, radishes and eggplant,” Lochridge noted. “Florida leads the nation in the production value of a great many of those crops.”
Although higher-than-average rainfall hit some production areas, especially in southeast Florida, Lochridge said fall and winter crops are off to a strong start.
“Producers are reporting that they now are on track in terms of both quality and harvesting. We anticipate a good season,” she told The Produce News.
The association plans to enhance its educational offerings to members, equipping them with the tools and information necessary to ensure they continue producing safe, quality produce.
“With the implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act, a new era of food safety is beginning. The law shifts the focus of the Food and Drug Administration from investigations of foodborne illnesses to a stepped-up effort to prevent microbial contamination of food,” she added.
