Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, and the Florida Tomato Committee say produce industry veteran Robert Guenther will join the associations.
“We’re very pleased to have found such an experienced leader in U.S. agriculture to take the helm of our associations,” J.M. Procacci, current chairman of the Florida Tomato Exchange, said in a news release. “Robert’s policy experience is second to none in the national fresh produce business. He’ll be able to make an immediate impact on the U.S. tomato industry.”
Guenther, a Florida native, is known in the U.S. fresh produce world for his role at the United Fresh Produce Association, where he served as vice president of public policy, and at the International Fresh Produce Association, where he served as chief public policy officer.
The tomato associations said Guenther will serve as the executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange and Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, in addition to being the manager of the Florida Tomato Committee.
Guenther has also held roles as a policy aid in the House of Representatives, including for the House Agricultural Committee. Early in his career, Guenther worked for the EPA and the Florida Sugar Cane League.
“I am deeply honored to join the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, and the Florida Tomato Committee,” Guenther said in a release. “It is an exciting opportunity to work closely with such a dedicated and resilient industry that plays a crucial role in the agricultural landscape of Florida and the nation. I look forward to applying my experience in public policy and fresh produce to further our collective goals and strengthen the future of Florida’s tomato industry.”
The Florida Tomato Exchange manages government relations on issues affecting the domestic tomato industry. This includes international trade disputes, agricultural workforce, crop protection, the farm bill and food safety. The associations said Guenther will lead these efforts in conjunction with the Florida Tomato Exchange’s board of directors. His work for the Florida Tomato Exchange is separate from the work he will do for the Florida Tomato Committee, which is a federal marketing order.
