
ELDP
Are you an up-and-coming leader who wants to be more involved in the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association? Consider the FFVA Emerging Leader Development Program, administered by the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation.
The suggested age for participation in the program is between 25 to 45. 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. The class size is based on the recommendation of the program director to the FFVA Leadership Development Committee.
ELDP Class 11 Members
ELDP Class 10 Highlights

Class 12 Application Period is Closed.
Launched in 2011, the program identifies and develops leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture. The sessions provide a wealth of information on the many issues facing the industry and equips members to communicate about agriculture. Ultimately, ELDP graduates can get involved to strengthen the future of specialty crop agriculture and grassroots engagement in FFVA and other industry organizations.
View the forms below for the Class 12 application. Class 12 starts October 2022.
ELDP Class 12 Application
ELDP Class 12 Written Agreement
ELDP Class 12 Schedule

The Program:
Develops leaders who are prepared with a depth of knowledge of the many issues facing agriculture
Provides young professionals with the education and tools to deal with those issues
Engages young leaders in FFVA and other industry organizations
The schedule includes a trip to Tallahassee to meet with legislators, seminars provided by FFVA staff members and other experts on current issues, venues to study environmental issues and water management, and visits to specialty crop production areas in Florida and California.
Details: Program Director Sonia Tighe, 321-214-5245
Class 11: 2021-2022
Miles Armstrong
Trademark Nitrogen
Jackson Autry
Everglades Equipment
Ben Backus
DLF Packing
Matt Bardin
Glades Crop Care, Inc.
Gracelyn Byrd
U.S. Sugar
Leo Camelo
Harris Moran
Jason Chandler
Grimmway Farms
Charlie Hurst
PGIM Real Estate
Carisa Keller
Alico Inc.
Dan Kimble
Harplyn Irrigation
Chris Meyer
Corteva Agriscience
Jake Rothert
Rothert Farm Inc.
Chacen Taylor
Lipman Family Farms
John Watson
Florida Foundation Seed Producers
David Wheeler, Jr.
Wheeler Farms, Inc.
Thank you to our sustaining sponsor:
