IFPA names vice president of US government relations

The International Fresh Produce Association has named John Torres as its new vice president of U.S. government relations. 

Torres, who brings two decades of experience in government policy, will officially join IFPA on Aug. 10. He will lead the organization’s U.S. advocacy, government relations, grassroots engagement and political affairs strategy. He will also oversee the association’s political action committee (FreshPAC).

“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.”

“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,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said in a news release.

Prior to joining IFPA, Torres was a principal with the Bockorny Group, a Washington, D.C.-based 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 at Farm Bureau, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, as well as with 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,” Torres said in the release. “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.”

Torres 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.