Jun 28, 2024
Florida tomato leader new Washington apple president

The leader of Florida’s tomato industry is leaving the Sunshine State to head the Washington Apple Commission.

Michael Schadler, the executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE),  is the new president of the Washington Apple Commission.

Michael Schadler mug
Michael Schadler

Schadler is scheduled to begin as the Wenatchee, Washington, apple commission’s president in September, according to a news release.

Schadler, who has led the tomato exchange since 2017, was also manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange.

Schadler succeeds Todd Fryhover, who is retiring. Fryhover joined the apple commission in 2006. Fryhover first joined the commission in a consultancy role and became president in 2008. Fryhover previously worked for Washington apple shipping companies.

Before joining the FTE, Schadler was director of international marketing at the Florida Department of Citrus. Previously, he was with Bryant Christie, a consulting firm focused on a variety of agriculture-related issues. At Bryant Christie, Schadler worked closely with the Florida and California tomato industries.

Schadler graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies.

Florida Tomato Exchange FTE“Michael’s background with trade associations, international marketing, advocacy, and grower relations make him an ideal fit for this position,” Fryhover said in a release.

The FTE is seeking a new director and accepting applications through July 15.

The FTE manages government relations on issues affecting the domestic tomato industry. This includes issues related to international trade disputes, agricultural workforce, crop protection, the Farm Bill, and food safety.

The new executive vice president will lead those efforts in conjunction with the FTE’s board of directors.

“We wish Michael well and congratulate him on his new position with the Washington apple industry,” J.M. Procacci, FTE’s chairman, said in the release. “This is a critical time for the U.S. tomato industry, so it’s important we find the right candidate to pick up where Michael is leaving off.”

The Florida Tomato Committee (FTC ) is a federal marketing order that enforces quality and packing standards on Florida tomatoes. The FTC also supports research and education efforts and conducts promotional activities to spur consumption of Florida tomatoes.

“Between the two exchanges and the Florida Tomato Committee, this is a dynamic position that gets to touch all components of the Florida tomato industry – everything from working with tomato breeders at the University of Florida to representing the industry in Washington, D.C.” Tony DiMare, FTE vice chairman, said in the release. “It’s a unique opportunity and a position that can be very impactful for our industry.”

The three associations are managed by the same staff, but each organization maintains separate financial structures, membership, and boards of directors. A full position description can be found on LinkedIn or JoeProduce.com.

The tomato exchange’s member companies produce more than 90% of the tomatoes grown in Florida and are among the largest producers of tomatoes in California, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. FTE member companies produce approximately 50% of U.S. fresh market tomatoes.

Established in 1937 by the Washington State Legislature, the WAC is a non-profit, promotional organization dedicated to marketing and advertising fresh Washington apples internationally

 


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