FFVA Urges Senate Support for Ag Assistance

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is urging the Senate for $12 billion in agricultural assistance. The FFVA submitted a letter last week to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Florida senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, looking for support in maintaining at least $12 billion in assistance included in the budget package approved by the House. “As the …

FFVA Urges Support for Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is urging support for the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, an important piece of legislation aimed at reforming the H-2A program. The FFVA sent a letter last week to the Florida congressional delegation urging support and co-sponsorship of the bill, expected to be introduced later this month by Congressman Glenn “GT” …

Navigating H-2A: FFVA Advocating for Improved Access, Wage Stability

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson Florida’s increased reliance on the H-2A program has the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) appealing to legislators that necessary modifications be made. “Our two big policy asks are improved access to the H-2A program and wage stability,” said FFVA Director of Labor Relations Jamie Fussell during the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …

USMCA

FFVA Advocating for TRQs in USMCA

Clint ThompsonUncategorized

By Clint Thompson A joint review of the USMCA is a little more than two months away. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is hopeful that timely assistance be provided for its specialty crop growers. FFVA President Mike Joyner spoke during the recent University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference. He highlighted how …

FFVA, GFVGA, Ag Groups Plead for Action With Current H-2A Challenges

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson A group of agricultural organizations, including the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) and Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA), recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The letter focused on the current challenges with H-2A consular processing and what can be done to remedy the situation. “The H-2A program remains encumbered …

FFVA Letter Addresses H-2A Visa Delays

Clint ThompsonFlorida

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA), along with the National Council of Agricultural Employers and Western Growers Association, issued a letter to the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security in December, regarding concerns over delays in the administrative processing of H-2A visas. The letter addressed how workers are being delayed by consular administrative processing. Leaders …

FFVA Issues Letter for H-2A Processing Amid Government Shutdown

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Clint Thompson The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently submitted a letter to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget regarding the ongoing government shutdown and subsequent pause in H-2A labor certification processing. Florida is the largest user of the H-2A program with approximately 50,000 certified positions every year. Timely processing is important to avoid disruption for Florida …

Specialty Crop Grower Magazine: Trade and Tariffs Discussed at FFVA Conference

Clint ThompsonFlorida

By Frank Giles In September, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) hosted its annual conference in Orlando. Specialty crop growers gathered for three days of engagement and education. One of the forums held during the conference was a panel discussion on the new Trump administration and trade. Participants included Lauren Reamy, Penn Avenue Partners; Carolyn Gleason, McDermott Will & …

BJ’s Wholesale Club

BJ’s Wholesale Club Honored as FFVA’s Customer of the Year

Dan CooperFlorida, Fruits, Vegetables

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) honored BJ’s Wholesale Club with its 2025 Customer of the Year Award. The award was presented during FFVA’s annual convention in Orlando. The annual award recognizes the important role that food service and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce. It is given to a valued partner that …

FFVA

Vance Whitaker Honored as FFVA’s Researcher of the Year

Dan CooperFruits, Strawberries, Vegetables

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) presented Dr. Vance Whitaker with its 2025 Researcher of the Year Award. The award was presented in September during FFVA’s  annual convention in Orlando. The Researcher of the Year Award is given to deserving individuals who have dedicated themselves and their work to improving Florida agriculture.   Whitaker, a professor of horticulture and …