Mike Stuart and FFVA

Mike Stuart has been president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) since 1992.

The association is known for its leadership in Florida agriculture and for its efforts, through the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Research & Education Foundation, to support organizations that assist farmworkers and their families.

FFVA organizes auctions every September to raise money for foundation-funded causes. In 2004, funds were raised to rebuild farmworker housing destroyed by that season's hurricanes. In 2003 and 2005, proceeds went to programs providing education and care for farmworkers' children.

In addition, in December 2005, the foundation administered the distribution of more than $204,000 in donations collected in cooperation with the Florida citrus industry for charities assisting farmworker communities recovering from the latest series of hurricanes.

The association supports programs that help farm employers provide for the well-being and safety of their workers. It is a leader in providing training and education in worker safety and food safety protocols, and recognizes leadership in developing effective training programs. FFVA works with the Environmental Protection Agency to constantly improve training materials and make training accessible to employers.

FFVA also offered input and support for the Alfredo Behena Act, state legislation passed in 2004 that bolstered regulations and established a certification program for farm labor contractors.

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Barbara Mainster