Florida Tomato Industry Associations Seek New Leader

Posted by Growing Produce Staff|July 1, 2024

The trade associations that support Florida’s tomato growers, packers, and shippers (Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, and the Florida Tomato Committee) are in need of a new leader. Michael Schadler, who has served as the Executive Vice President of the Florida Tomato Exchange since 2017, has accepted a job with the Washington Apple Commission starting this September.

Michael Schadler

The Florida Tomato Exchange manages government relations on issues affecting the domestic tomato industry. This includes issues related to international trade disputes, the agricultural workforce, crop protection, the Farm Bill, and food safety. The new Executive Vice President will lead these efforts in conjunction with the FTE’s Board of Directors.

In addition to serving as the EVP of the Florida Tomato Exchange and Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, the new hire will also be the manager of the Florida Tomato Committee, which is a federal marketing order that enforces quality and packing standards on Florida tomatoes. The FTC also supports research and education efforts and conducts promotional activities to spur the consumption of Florida tomatoes.

“Between the two exchanges and the Florida Tomato Committee, this is a dynamic position that gets to touch all components of the Florida tomato industry – everything from working with tomato breeders at the University of Florida to representing the industry in Washington, DC,” says Tony DiMare, Vice Chairman of the Florida Tomato Exchange. “It’s a unique opportunity and a position that can be very impactful for our industry.”