July 2019 - 31

FGN
seven
Q&A WITH MIKE JOYNER
Florida Fruit &
Vegetable Association
(FFVA) named Mike Joyner
as the organization's new
president in October 2018.
He succeeded long-time
FFVA president Mike
Stuart.
Joyner's experience
in agricultural and
environmental issues
runs deep. Most recently, he served as assistant
commissioner of agriculture and chief of staff for
Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, helping
to lead the state Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services for almost eight years. Before that,
Joyner represented clients throughout Florida and the
United States before the Florida Legislature and state
regulatory agencies. He also served in public affairs
and environmental affairs positions for The St. Joe
Company and Progress Energy (now Duke Energy) and
worked as chief of staff for the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection.
" Mike is uniquely equipped to lead FFVA into the
future, " FFVA Chairman Paul R. Orsenigo said at the
time of Joyner's appointment.
" Given his experience and leadership in Florida
agriculture, he has a keen grasp of the issues that
Florida producers face in growing and marketing their
crops, " Orsenigo said. " We're looking forward to
having him at the helm of our association. "
" I'm excited to join this association, which I've
admired for many years, " Joyner said. " The positive
influence that FFVA's advocacy work has had on
public policy is impressive. There are challenges ahead
for agriculture, which means that advocacy is more
important than ever. "
Joyner is a graduate of the University of Florida with
a bachelor's degree in agriculture, food and resource
economics. He and his wife, Alicia, have two daughters.
Outgoing FFVA President Mike Stuart stayed
on board for a brief transition period before his
retirement, Orsenigo said.
" Mike's tireless efforts and contributions on behalf
of specialty crop agriculture in Florida and nationally
have been monumental, " said outgoing Stuart, who
served in the role for 26 years. " We're grateful for his
leadership, talents, integrity and coalition stewardship
over the years. Our volunteer leaders are committed to
providing a smooth succession to new leadership. "
?
KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD BE FEATURED?
Email Gary Pullano at
fgnedit@fruitgrowersnews.com,
or call 616-520-2144.
1What are the best words of advice you've ever
received?
As important as what we do is how we do it.
2 What are your goals for the next 12 months?
* Get into the fields and listen to the growers. Learn their challenges,
their priorities, find out how FFVA can add value and learn what their
expectations are for the FFVA and for me.
* Build and strengthen relationships with the other agricultural organizations
in Florida and throughout the country. The many challenges we face in
agriculture will be solved by working together, shoulder-to-shoulder in
coalitions with other agricultural organizations.
* Continue the work started many years ago by FFVA to find a near-term
solution to stop the unfair trade practices from Mexico's fruit and vegetable
industry Because the original NAFTA failed to provide the specialty crop
producers in the Southeast with fair recourse against Mexico's unfair
pricing practices, the hemorrhaging losses and farm closures in the
Southeast are now reaching a tipping point. The Southeast produce
industry's survival depends heavily on a solution in the near term that is
durable, transcends administrations, and is statutory and effective.
* Continuing to work on a federal solution to address the growing concern
with the lack of qualified farm labor.
4 What would you
3What do you do to relax?
Spending time with my wife and
two adult daughters at the beach or
in the North Carolina mountains. I
also enjoy gardening, biking and bird
hunting.
like to be your
lasting legacy?
That I was honest, tried to always
do what is right, that I led with
character, mentored those
around me, that I was intentional
with my time and that I was a
good son, husband, father and
friend.
5What are the top things on your bucket list?
I would like to be a volunteer park ranger in Yellowstone or Grand
Tetons National Park after retirement.
6What job or work
would you have
pursued if you had not
been in the fruit and
vegetable industry?
I would like to have been a farmer
and rancher. If not that, a hospital
administrator. The positive
impact you can have on others is
significant.
7What is the one truth
you've learned about
the fruit and vegetable
industry?
The women and men who make up
this industry have been called to
feed the world. They are proud of
their calling. They understand that
responsibility and they are great
stewards, honest, hardworking and
humble. They are servant leaders.
FGN | JULY 2019 | 31
July 2019

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