WASHINGTON, DC - Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last week that 25 members have been appointed to the recently re-established Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee (FVIAC). The newly appointed members will serve terms of up to two years beginning immediately and ending in 2020.

“I am honored and proud to be selected to serve on this committee, a crucial touchpoint between producers and policymakers,” Jeff Huckaby, CEO of Grimmway Farms, shared. “I look forward to representing the unique needs of the agriculture industry in this role.”

Tommy Wilkins, Director of Sales at Grow Farms Texas, is also among the 25 produce veterans appointed, commenting, “Agriculture has been part of my entire career and I really appreciate the opportunity to pay back an industry that has been good to me. Our industry continues to evolve, and I look forward to working with the committee to advise Mr. Perdue and the USDA on what will be best for it.”

The purpose of the FVIAC, according to a press release, is to examine the full spectrum of issues faced by the fruit and vegetable industry and provide recommendations and ideas to the Secretary on how USDA can tailor its programs to better meet the needs of the fruit and vegetable industry.

“At the forefront of my mind are our family and friends in the Southeast and East Coast who have been severely impacted by two major storms just in the last few weeks. It’s a sobering reminder of the power that Mother Nature holds over our industry. With that being said, we have plenty of other challenges that we do have some control over such as the serious labor shortage, which is bringing the industry to its knees and contributing to declining agricultural specialty crop production in the U.S.,” Bret Erickson, Sr. VP Business Affairs at J&D Produce, shared with me about his appointment. “There is a long list of issues that I expect this committee to review, from regulatory challenges, invasive pest and disease issues, water, food safety, labor, research initiatives, the list goes on and on. I am pleased to see that the USDA has renewed its commitment to the FVIAC. My strong expectation is that we will be strong advocates who will demand real changes that ultimately improve not only the livelihoods of U.S. producers but the health and food security of U.S. consumers. My congratulations go out to each and every newly appointed committee member, and I look forward to continuing to serve the industry.”

Tommy’s, Bret’s, and Jeff’s fellow members are the following:

• David K. Bell, Cherryfield Foods Inc. Farm/Maine Wild Blueberry Company
• Richard E. Bowman, JJ Family of Farms
• Chalmers R. Carr III, Titan Farms LLC
• John Chandler, Chandler Farms L.P.
• Kristine (Tina) Ellor, Phillips Mushroom Farms L.P.
• Kelly Carl (KC) Ely, FreshPoint
• Molly Gleason, Illinois Stewardship Alliance
• Julie L. Gordon, Cherry Marketing Institute
• Kiley Harper-Larsen, NK Lago Farms LLC
• Michael Janis, San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market
• Brian Kirschenmann, Kirschenmann Farms Inc.
• Tom Lipetzky, Colorado Department of Agriculture
• Paul Palmby, Seneca Foods Corporation
• Luis A. Pérez-Codina, Liaison CAN/US Logistics dba Can/US Fresh
• Kelly Powell-McIver, North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission
• Reade Sievert, Associated Wholesale Grocers
• Steve Smith, Red Gold Inc.
• Harry (Bruce) Talbott, Talbott's Mountain Gold LLLP
• Lawrence (Greg) Tison, Jacksonville Farmers Market
• Derrin Wheeler, MBG Marketing
• Charles A. Wingard, Walter P. Rawl & Sons
• Donn Zea, California Dried Plum Board/Prune Marketing Committee

“This is a strong group representing a cross section of the fruit and vegetable industry,” said Secretary Perdue in his announcement. “I look forward to having them as a resource for feedback and firsthand information to help us better understand the impact of USDA programs on farmers, ranchers, packagers, shippers, and everyone involved in bringing quality food to American families and exporting American-grown products around the world.”

Committee members represent organic and non-organic growers, shippers, wholesalers, retailers, industry trade associations, importers, processors, foodservice suppliers, food brokers, state departments of agriculture, and farmers markets; and represent local, regional and national levels. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) ensures the committee is administered according to the Federal Advisory Committee Act.

Congratulations to those making up this important group. More information about the committee is available on the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee page on the AMS website.

USDA