The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) applauded The Defending Domestic Produce Production Act, which was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate on Wednesday as S. 2080 by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Rick Scott (R-FL). The bill was reintroduced in the U.S. House as H.R. 3926 by Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL) and Al Lawson (D-FL). The bill includes 32 co-sponsors …
FFVA Issues Statement Following Bi-Partisan Letter Sent to USTR
On Wednesday, a bipartisan letter was sent to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai calling for the United States Trade Representative to work with members of Congress to implement immediate trade relief measures for U.S. producers of seasonal and perishable fruits and vegetables. The letter was led by U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio and Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart, Darren Soto, Austin Scott, Bill …
FFVA: Let Your Voice Be Heard
The legislative session in Florida provides opportunities for farmers to voice their concerns on what programs need funding. The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) encouraged its producers to contact senators and representatives about the need to fully fund the Fresh From Florida program at $10.05 million. “Appropriate funding for the Fresh From Florida program is incredibly important. We understand …
FFVA Issues Statement Following USITC Hearing on Cucumbers, Squash
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) issued a statement following Thursday’s U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) hearing regarding the impact of imports on the Southeast domestic cucumber and squash crops. The statement read: “Today’s hearing was a positive development in our ongoing efforts to secure trade relief for Florida growers. For decades, unfair trade practices from Mexico and other …
FFVA President: (Food Security’s) a National Security Issue
Feb. 11, 2021 could be a date that lives in infamy for Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop growers. At least that’s the way Mike Joyner views the U.S. International Trade Commission’s (USITC) unanimous verdict regarding blueberry imports. “As a result of that 5-0 ruling, I would completely agree with you, it was a gut punch for our growers,” said Joyner, …
FFVA President: Good Year, Not a Great Year for Producers
It’s been a “good year, not a great year,” for Florida’s vegetable and specialty crop producers. Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) President Mike Joyner uttered those words last week. He believes the main reason for the season not being a total success has been market prices. “I spoke to a blueberry grower (last week). They’re coming in about a …
FFVA Urges DeSantis to Prioritize Vaccines for Agricultural Workforce
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) Chair Aaron Troyer, on behalf of FFVA members, sent a letter to Gov. DeSantis this week urging for priority distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine for Florida’s agricultural workforce. While FFVA strongly supports that healthcare workers and long-term care facilities receive first priority, Troyer urged for prioritizing Florida agriculture after those groups to ensure a …
FFVA’s Joyner: Government’s Self-Initiation of 201 Investigation Speaks Volumes About Importance
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) is pleased with the USTR’s decision to implement a Section 201 investigation into blueberries. Mike Joyner, president of FFVA, said the investigation was best for blueberry producers, mainly because of its global approach. “When you watched the testimony of the two hearings, there were a number of blueberry growers. We knew this already …
FFVA Still Hoping for Celery, Watermelons to be Added in CFAP
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association (FFVA) did not get all of its wishes granted with the recent revisions to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) by the United States Department of Agriculture. FFVA President Mike Joyner confirmed that there are two commodities that his organization hopes the USDA will include in Category 1. “The two commodities that we also …
FFVA President: Pleased With Decisions USDA Made Regarding CFAP
Florida’s fruit and vegetable (FFVA) growers were big winners in the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) decision last week to amend certain commodities to the list covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). FFVA President Mike Joyner said almost half of the commodities that his organization petitioned the USDA for were accepted. “We’re pleased with the decisions that …