ELDP
Launched in 2011, the Emerging Leaders Development Program (ELDP) identifies and cultivates the next generation of champions for Florida agriculture.
Through immersive sessions and direct exposure to the industry’s top leaders, participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to influence policy, and effectively advocate for specialty crops.
Graduates are empowered to step into leadership roles and actively shape the future of Florida agriculture through FFVA and other industry organizations.
The program is designed for professionals ages 25 to 40. Applicants 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. Class size typically ranges from 10 to 12 participants and is finalized based on the program director’s recommendation to the FFVA Leadership Development Committee.
ELDP Class 15 Members
ELDP Class 14 Highlights
Class 16 Application Period is Open.
Over the course of a year, Class 16 participants will travel to Tallahassee to meet with legislators, attend seminars led by FFVA staff and industry experts on current issues, explore environmental issues and water management, and visit specialty crop production areas in Florida and California.
Applications must be submitted no later than Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to be considered.
Contact FSCF Executive Director Bryn Fussell for more information at Bryn.Fussell@ffva.com.
Class 15: 2025-2026
Shane Bevilacqua
KLM Farms
Macey Graham
PGIM Agricultural Investment
Gage Hjort
Tater Farms
Charlie Hogan
R.C. Hatton Farms
U.S. Sugar
Roman Mancini
Mancini Foods, LLC
Eddie Pines
EIP Citrus Management LLC
Nolan Rayburn
Noble Ag
Wild Goose Farms
Teresa White
A. Duda & Sons
Ryan Williams
Florida Classic Growers
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