The International Fresh Produce Association has hired seasoned government affairs and association management professional John Torres to lead its U.S. Government Relations team. He will officially join IFPA on Aug. 10 and report to Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor.
Torres has nearly two decades of experience spanning agriculture, food, environment and life sciences policy. He will lead IFPA’s U.S. advocacy, government relations, grassroots engagement and political affairs strategy. He will also oversee the association’s political action committee (FreshPAC) and strengthen the organization’s voice in Washington, D.C., according to IFPA.
“John’s expertise on policy issues such as the farm bill, appropriations, trade and environment is a strong complement to the skills already present in our existing Government Relations team,” Taylor says. “Our members will appreciate the depth of his knowledge as we continue to fight for fresh together.”
Prior to joining IFPA, Torres was a principal with the Bockorny Group, a D.C.-based boutique multiclient government relations firm, where he led the firm’s work in food, agriculture, animal health, life sciences and rural development. He has also held leadership roles across the Farm Bureau network, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.
“Farming is an important part of who I am, having grown up on a grain farm in northwest Ohio and spent my career in the agriculture industry,” says Torres. “The opportunity to be part of IFPA and serve the fresh produce and floral community is exciting, given the focus on human health, environmental sustainability and farming practices in policy circles today. I also appreciate IFPA’s focus on growing and developing talent, which closely relates to my involvement in 4-H and FFA both as a student and a volunteer of those two organizations.”
IFPA says Torres’ roots in agriculture run deep, as he began his career as a commodities trader with Archer Daniels Midland, a Fortune 100 multinational agribusiness, where he managed grain origination, hedging and transportation logistics across the Midwest. He holds a Bachelor of Science in agriculture from Ohio State University, with a major in agricultural business and applied economics and a minor in agricultural education. He also holds the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives.
“Members have told us advocacy is their top priority, and we’re excited to add a leader and policy expert of John’s caliber to IFPA,” says IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “His experience and strong connections with legislators will further enhance our advocacy efforts on issues ranging from trade to nutrition to production and more as we continue to ensure our members have a policy-driven, enabling business environment.”
