Torres, a near two-decade veteran of agriculture and food policy, joins in August to lead US government relations and grassroots engagement
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has hired experienced government affairs and association management professional John Torres to lead its US government relations team.
Torres will officially join IFPA on 10 August and will report to chief global policy officer Alexis Taylor.
“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,” said CEO Cathy Burns.
“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.”
With nearly two decades of experience spanning agriculture, food, environment, and life sciences policy, Torres will lead IFPA’s US advocacy, government relations, grassroots engagement, and political affairs strategy.
He will also oversee the association’s political action committee (FreshPAC) and ”strengthen the organisation’s voice in Washington, DC”, IFPA said.
“John’s expertise on policy issues such as the farm bill, appropriations, trade, and environment is a strong complement to the skills already present in our existing Government Relations team,” said Alexis Taylor.
“Our members will appreciate the depth of his knowledge as we continue to fight for fresh together.”
Prior to joining IFPA, Torres was a principal with the Bockorny Group, a DC-based boutique multi-client government relations firm, where he led the firm’s work in food, agriculture, animal health, life sciences and rural development.
“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,” said Torres.
“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.
”I also appreciate IFPA’s focus on growing and developing talent which closely relates to my involvement in 4-H and FFA both as a student and a volunteer of those two organisations,” he added.
