IFPA members appointed to EPA’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee

November 14, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC– The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is proud to announce the appointment of two of its members, Russell Hamlin, Ph.D., president of farming operations for Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic and chair of IFPA’s Organics Committee, and Maria Fernanda Abilgaard, global advocacy manager at AgroFresh, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee (FRRCC).

The FRRCC advises the EPA administrator on a range of critical environmental topics impacting agriculture and rural communities, such as climate change, water and air quality, pesticide management, and technological innovation.

“We are thrilled to see these esteemed members appointed to the FRRCC,” said IFPA CEO Cathy Burns. “Their expertise and commitment to sustainable agriculture bring invaluable insights to the committee’s work, ensuring the voices of fresh produce growers are represented on environmental issues affecting our industry and communities.”

The FRRCC is composed of 37 members from agriculture, allied industries, academia, and government, with appointees serving two- or three-year terms. Hamlin and Abilgaard join 18 new members selected from more than 80 applicants across all 10 EPA regions and 24 states.

Dr. Hamlin, in addition to leading farming operations at Grimmway Farms, the largest carrot grower globally, serves on the Grimm Family Organic Center Advisory Board and has chaired the California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board since 2021. Founded in the 1960s, Grimmway Farms is an industry leader in organic vegetable production and was recognized with IFPA’s Advocate of the Year Award in June 2024.

Abilgaard, who drives sustainable agricultural technology initiatives across more than 75 countries in her role at AgroFresh, recently completed IFPA’s Leadership Program. She is also the New York President of the Women Economic Forum (WEF) and the founder of AdoptaHero.

The EPA established the FRRCC in 2007 to address environmental issues relevant to agricultural communities. The committee’s work will further amplify the voices of agriculture and allied industries in shaping the future of environmental policy.

IFPA members appointed to EPA’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee

Additional Press