FPAA annual meeting highlights progress and introduces new board members

The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) held its Annual Membership Meeting on the first Tuesday of November, bringing members together to reflect on a year marked by active advocacy, strong industry engagement, and continued growth.

The meeting offered members the opportunity to review accomplishments, discuss strategic priorities, and elect new leadership for the upcoming term.

The agenda opened with an in-depth review of the association's work across Arizona, Washington, and Mexico, highlighting its efforts to safeguard produce trade, advance key policy initiatives, and strengthen collaboration with government agencies and industry partners.

Members received updates on FPAA’s Arizona legislative activity, federal engagement, cross-border trade issues, and the association’s role in shaping significant regulatory discussions throughout the year.

President Lance Jungmeyer presented his annual report, covering recent accomplishments across the border and updates on planning for SWIPE 2026. Members also received reports on operational initiatives and the association’s priorities heading into the next year.

FPAA 2025 board elections

Members elected the following Distributor Board Members, who will serve new two-year terms:

• Jorge Donnadieu of Fresh Farms 
• Matt Mandel of SunFed 
• Juan Manuel Ibarra of Marengo Foods 
• Leonardo Tarriba of Farmer’s Best International 
• Walter Ram of The Giumarra Companies 
• Rafael Roiz of TruFresh
• Atanasio Panousopoulos of Delta Fresh Sales
• James Martin of Wilson Produce 

The following Directors will continue to serve with one year remaining in their terms: 

• Jose Antonio Martinez of Divine Flavor  
• Gonzalo Avila of Malena Produce  
• Kyle McGrath of Tricar Sales   
• Scott Vandervoet of Vandervoet & Associates  
• Lesley Sykes of The Sykes Co.  
• Griselt Cerezo of Flavor King  
• Luis Mario Morales of Chucho Produce 

For the Associate Member seats, the following individuals were elected to one-year terms:

• Jorge Ruiz of Agri-Packing Distributors
• Ana Maria Cota of Ahern Seeds 

Additionally, Santiago Suarez of MAS Melons & Grapes was elected to serve a one-year term on the FPAA Board of Directors.

Recognizing valuable FPAA members 

FPAA Chairwoman Raquel Espinoza of Produce House expressed her gratitude to the board and the membership, highlighting the collective commitment that drives the association’s success.

“Our progress this year reflects the strength and unity of this industry,” she stated. “I want to thank our members, volunteers, and leadership team for their hard work and dedication to FPAA and the produce community.”

The annual meeting offered a chance to recognize two industry leaders, added Jungmeyer.

“Both the Pillar of the FPAA this year, Pedro Batiz, and Member of the Year, Gonzalo Avila, exemplify entrepreneurship, innovation, and, above all, for the FPAA, service for the association and the industry to keep FPAA members’ interests alive and imports flowing.”

With key policy discussions underway, major industry issues on the horizon, and planning for SWIPE 2026 progressing, FPAA remains focused on strengthening cross-border produce trade, supporting members with timely information, and amplifying the industry’s voice at the state, federal, and international levels.

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