Elyse Lipman of Lipman Family Farms will lead the IFPA board of directors in 2027, joined by a new executive committee
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced its slate of new officers and directors for the 2027 IFPA board of directors.
These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with membership and begin their board service at the 2026 Global Fresh Produce and Floral Show in October.
The IFPA board of directors is guided by the executive committee, which will be led in 2027 by current chair-elect Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms.
Current board chair professor Patrick Vizzone, founder and managing partner of AgroNovare, will assume the role of immediate past board chair.
IFPA said that during the the Global Produce and Floral Show, Lipman and Vizzone will share their reflections on year two of the association’s strategic plan, highlighting key milestones reached on behalf of IFPA members across the worldwide produce and floral community.
Lipman and Vizzone are joined by fellow executive committee members including chair-elect Mohammed Abbas, president and COO at Del Monte Corporation; board treasurer Mark Campion, president of retail for Taylor Farms; board secretary and sustainability council chair Adrielle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride; and at-large executive committee member and US council chair Steve Grinstead, executive chairman of FreshEdge.
“It is a true honour to step into the role of IFPA board chair at a time when our industry’s purpose has never been more clear or more important,” said Lipman.
“Every day, the fresh produce and floral community helps nourish families, bring beauty and joy to people around the world, strengthen economies, and advance a more sustainable tomorrow.
”IFPA’s mission is to help this extraordinary industry go even further – by removing barriers, elevating our voice through advocacy, sharing the insights that help businesses grow, and bringing our global community together around the challenges and opportunities we share,” she added.
”I am deeply grateful for the commitment of our volunteer leaders, and I look forward to working alongside IFPA’s members and staff to champion fresh, support our industry, and create lasting impact for the world we serve.”
