
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 12 Members
ELDP Class 11 Highlights

Class 13 Application Period is Open.
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 13 application. The deadline to apply is June 16, 2023. Class 13 starts October 2023.
ELDP Class 13 Application
ELDP Class 13 Written Agreement
ELDP Class 13 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 12: 2022-2023
Thomas Addison
H & A Farms
Renee L. Buxton
Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida
David Dyer
Corteva Agriscience
Russ Fraleigh
Florida Coast Equipment
Josh Hancock
R.C. Hatton
Brett Helvey
Diamond R. Fertilizer
Lamar Jahna
Seminis Vegetable Seeds
Hernan Martinez
Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Mac Metcalf
Syngenta Crop Protection
Jeremy Nipper
Everglades Equipment Group
Todd Pirtle
Syngenta Vegetable Seeds
Matthew Reichenbach
Ferris Farms Inc.
Erin Parke Watson
Parkesdale Farms
Joel Whitehead
Wish Farms
Thank you to our sustaining sponsor:
