The International Fresh Produce Association has hired John Torres as VP of U.S. government relations, tasking him with leading the association’s federal advocacy work on behalf of its fresh produce and floral members.
Torres joins IFPA on Aug. 10 and will report to Chief Global Policy Officer Alexis Taylor. He will lead U.S. advocacy, government relations, grassroots engagement and political affairs strategy, and will oversee the association’s political action committee, FreshPAC.
“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 Cathy Burns, CEO of IFPA. “His experience and strong connections with legislators will further enhance our advocacy efforts on issues ranging from trade to nutrition to production and more.”
Torres has nearly 20 years of experience in agriculture, food, environment and life sciences policy. He most recently was a principal with the Bockorny Group, a Washington, D.C.-based government relations firm, where he led work in food, agriculture, animal health, life sciences and rural development. He also has held leadership roles across the Farm Bureau network, including at the American Farm Bureau Federation and the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, as well as the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.
“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,” said Torres, who grew up on a grain farm in northwest Ohio.
In his new role at IFDA, he succeeds Rebeckah Adcock, who became chief government relations officer at Feeding America in April, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Torres began his career as a commodities trader with Archer Daniels Midland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from The Ohio State University and the Certified Association Executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives.