FFVA HONORS IPC SUBWAY AS MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR
MAITLAND, Fla. – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has presented its Customer of the Year Award to IPC Subway, a valued partner that has worked with producers to promote Florida products.
The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. The honor was formerly known as Merchandiser of the Year, but FFVA broadened it to include producer members’ entire customer base.
In nominating IPC Subway, Big Red Tomato Packers commended the company for its commitment in sourcing produce from the United States with an emphasis on Florida.
“As the largest user of small tomatoes in the country, Subway greatly helps Florida producers. The company also advocates for sustainability and fair labor practices. It’s that kind of commitment that helps keep our industry strong,” the nomination said.
The award was announced at FFVA’s 73rd Annual Convention in Naples on Sept. 27.
FFVA NAMES DR. JIM GRAHAM AS RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR
MAITLAND, Fla. – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has presented its Researcher of the Year Award to Dr. Jim Graham, professor of soil microbiology at the University of Florida’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
The award is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to the improvement of Florida agriculture. The presentation took place during FFVA’s 73rd annual convention in Naples.
Graham is a highly regarded, world-class scientist whose well-focused research has helped the citrus industry not only in Florida but nationally and internationally as well, said Rick Kress, president of Southern Gardens Citrus and chair of FFVA’s Research Committee.
“He’s been on the front lines for years as we have battled citrus canker, black spot and citrus greening,” Kress said.
In supporting Graham’s nomination, Dr. Tim Gottwald of the USDA’s Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce said, “Dr. Graham has provided steadfast leadership on a large number of task forces, science advisory committees and blue-ribbon panels. His expertise and opinions are routinely sought by state, national and international regulatory agencies and industries.”
Nominators also noted that Graham is an excellent communicator. From professional settings to grower meetings, he communicates even the most complex of topics in an understandable fashion.
STATE LEGISLATORS HUTSON, CALDWELL RECEIVE FFVA HONORS
MAITLAND, Fla. – The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association has named Florida Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Matt Caldwell as its Legislators of the Year.
Hutson (R-Palm Coast) sponsored the Farm Vehicle legislation (SB 1046) and the Ag Industry bill (SB 1310/HG749), both of which benefited Florida’s growers. The two were honored at FFVA’s convention in Naples on Sept. 27.
“As a freshman senator, Sen. Hutson became a real champion for our industry, and we look forward to working with him in the future,” said FFVA Government Relations Director Butch Calhoun.
Caldwell (R-Lehigh Acres) is a second-time recipient of the award, which he also received in 2013. Caldwell sponsored the Water Resources bill (HB 7005) and the State Lands bill (HB 1075). Both were signed into law.
“Environmental groups pressured Rep. Caldwell to amend both bills, but he held his ground and passed legislation that is very supportive of agriculture,” Calhoun said.
The annual awards were announced at FFVA’s 73rd Annual Convention in Naples on Sept. 27.
Past recipients of the Legislator of the Year Award include Sens. Kelli Stargel, Denise Grimsley, Wilton Simpson, Alan Hays, Anitere Flores, Durell Peaden Jr., Charlie Dean, Cary Baker, Mike Bennett, Jeff Atwater, Nancy Argenziano and Bill Posey; and Reps. Tom Goodson, Jake Raburn, Caldwell, Ben Albritton, Seth McKeel, Steve Crisafulli, Trudi Williams, Denise Grimsley, Baxter Troutman, Dean Cannon, Dudley J. Goodlette and Marty Bowen.
The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association is a full-service organization serving Florida’s grower-shipper community for more than 70 years. FFVA represents a broad range of crops: vegetables, citrus, tropical fruit, berries, sod, sugar cane, treecrops and more. Its mission is to enhance the business and competitive environment for producing and marketing fruits, vegetables and other crops. You can follow FFVA on Facebook and Twitter.
Source: The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association