Florida tomato trade associations select new leader

Longtime produce industry leader Robert Guenther is the new head of Florida’s tomato trade associations.

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. The trade associations represent Florida’s tomato growers, packers and shippers.

All three organizations are based in Maitland, Florida.

Guenther is well-known in the fresh produce world, most notably for his tenure at the United Fresh Produce Association, where he served as vice president of public policy. He also worked at the International Fresh Produce Association, the organization that succeeded United Fresh, where he was chief public policy officer until last September. The IFPA was formed after the merging of two legacy organizations, United Fresh and the Produce Marketing Association.

Guenther has also served as a policy aide in the U.S. House of Representatives, including for the House Agricultural Committee. Early in his career, Guenther worked for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Sugar Cane League.

“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, chair 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 for the U.S. tomato industry.”

Guenther succeeds Michael Schadler, who announced his departure from the Florida Tomato Exchange in June to head the Washington Apple Commission. Schadler joined the tomato associations in 2017.

Guenther, a Florida native, is scheduled to officially start his new role in September, according to the release.

“I am deeply honored to join the Florida Tomato Exchange, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, and the Florida Tomato Committee,” Guenther said in the 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. Guenther will lead these efforts in conjunction with the FTE’s board of directors.

His work for the FTE is separate from the work he will do for the Florida Tomato Committee, which is a federal marketing order.