Return of FFVA Annual Convention the Highlight of Year-End Reflection
December 18, 2021 
Breakfast keynote speaker Damian Mason addresses attendees at Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) 77th annual convention.
Photo courtesy of FFVA
Since my first day on the job, one statement has been shared repeatedly by members, “We’re looking forward to convention.” Expectations were high that Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) would hold a convention in 2021 after canceling it last year due to the pandemic. FFVA proceeded cautiously in the beginning but forged ahead with what was in the best interest of the organization and
its members.
In September, I’m proud to share that hundreds of growers and allied industry partners gathered in person for the first time in two years. At last, the long-awaited return of FFVA’s annual convention was over, and the energy in the air was palpable.
To kick things off this year, FFVA welcomed back attendees with video reflections from a few leaders and friends of their favorite convention moments. This included remarks from Bobbie Long and Hugh English.
What we heard is that for many, attending convention is like coming home to the memories and connections made over decades past. For others, convention ignites a spark for innovation and generates renewed excitement for the year ahead.
“The convention is special because you need information and knowledge to be successful in business, but what enhances your life is the people who you run across and interact with,” said Hugh English, a former FFVA chair.
And for some, convention is truly a love story. In fact, it was at an FFVA convention where Bobbie Long met her husband, the late Billy Long.
“It doesn’t matter where we are; it’s the people we meet,” Long says. “I love meeting the new people and hearing all the new ideas, and this young generation is something really to be proud of.”
Convention is also the culmination of the important work FFVA does all year long to enhance the business and competitive environment for producing and marketing fruits, vegetables, and other crops. Here’s a look at some of what was accomplished this year:
Fight for fair trade: FFVA continued to push for an immediate, effective, and enforceable trade solution for Florida growers who have faced devastating impacts of unfair trade practices. FFVA members stepped up to make their voices heard, providing testimony at several hearings before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Despite strong industry efforts for a solution, a recent USITC investigation into harm caused by increased imports of blueberries ended with an unfavorable injury determination. A USITC review of strawberries, bell peppers, squash, and cucumbers remains ongoing.
Access to a stable, legal workforce: This remains a critical concern for agriculture, and producers are increasing their use of guest worker programs to meet their workforce needs. Florida is the No. 1 user of the H-2A program, and FFVA helps producers access the program in rapidly growing numbers. Over the last year, FFVA has worked alongside other associations in the Agriculture Workforce Coalition to advocate for policy changes to address concerns with the program. The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill in March, and a companion bill is in the works in the U.S. Senate.
Strengthening Florida’s Right to Farm Act: The 2021 legislative session was a good one for Florida agriculture. Garnering broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, Senate Bill 88 passed, strengthening the protections for reasonable agricultural activities conducted on farmland and providing stronger liability protections to farms that comply with best management practices and environmental regulations.
And that’s not all. Important work continued in the areas of food safety, supply chain, water and natural resources, and crop protection. FFVA staff is working hard every day to elevate your voice on the issues that matter most.
If you missed out on this year’s convention, mark your calendars for FFVA 2022 at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island Sept. 12-14. We will see you there.