Patrick Vizzone of AgroNovare will lead the association as board chair in 2026, with Elyse Lipman of Lipman Family Farms named as chair-elect
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced the slate of new officers and directors for its 2026 board of directors.
These volunteer leaders will be confirmed by a ballot shared with membership and begin their board service at the 2025 Global Fresh Produce & Floral Show, which takes on 16-18 October in Anaheim, California.
The IFPA board of directors is guided by the executive committee, which will be led in 2026 by current chair-elect Patrick Vizzone, founder and managing partner of AgroNovare.
Current board chair Tammy DeBoer, president of Harris Teeter, will assume the role of past board chair.
During the Global Produce & Floral Show, Vizzone and DeBoer will share their reflections on year one of IFPA’s strategic plan, announced in October 2024, among other topics.
Joining the executive committee are 2026 chair-elect Elyse Lipman, CEO of Lipman Family Farms; treasurer Mohammed Abbas, EVP and COO, Del Monte Fresh Produce; at-large executive committee member and incoming US Council chair Steve Grinstead, CEO, FreshEdge; and at-large executive committee member and incoming Sustainability Council chair Adriëlle Dankier, CEO of Nature’s Pride.
“Across the globe, the fresh produce and floral industry makes a vital contribution to health, sustainability, and economic growth,” said Vizzone. ”Yet barriers remain that limit our industry’s full potential.
”Removing those barriers is central to IFPA’s mission – whether through advocacy, delivering insights and market intelligence, or uniting our community to solve shared challenges.
“This work would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteer leaders on the IFPA board of directors,” he noted.
”It is an honour and a privilege to serve as chair in 2026, and I look forward to working with IFPA staff and this esteemed group to fight for fresh and deliver meaningful impact for our industry and the world.”
