Why it Matters

The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association has expanded its lobbying presence by hiring Penn Avenue Partners, adding heavyweight congressional expertise to its advocacy efforts. This move marks a shift after more than two decades of relying primarily on McDermott Will & Emery LLP, signaling an intensified push on critical agricultural issues.

By the Numbers

  • Q3 2025 spending: $50,000 paid to Penn Avenue Partners
  • Historical spending: Over $1.5 million to McDermott Will & Emery since 2003
  • Lobbying team: Five lobbyists, including four named professionals
  • Combined congressional experience: Over 40 years across the lobbying team
  • Previous relationships: 76 disclosure filings with McDermott Will & Emery

Broader Context

Florida’s specialty crop producers face mounting economic pressures from multiple fronts. High labor costs, competition from cheap imports, and weather-related disasters have created a challenging environment. The agricultural sector is undergoing significant economic challenges, with urgent calls for enhanced safety net programs and labor reform.

The Agenda

Penn Avenue Partners will focus on four key areas for the FFVA:

  • Agriculture: Specialty crop issues and farm policy
  • Trade: Domestic and foreign trade matters
  • Labor: Agricultural workforce challenges and H-2A program reform
  • Appropriations: Including H.R.4754, the Department of Interior appropriations bill

The lobbying comes as Congress actively debates the H.R.3227 – Farm Workforce Modernization Act and specialty crop promotion legislation.

Competitive Landscape

The FFVA joins a crowded field of agricultural advocates. Groups like the International Fresh Produce Association and Mississippi Sweet Potato Council are pushing similar agendas. Corporate clients of Penn Avenue Partners, including Ferrero USA, also lobby on overlapping trade and immigration issues.

Between The Lines

Congress has ramped up attention on agricultural challenges. The Senate Agriculture Committee held hearings on “Perspectives from the Field” examining farmer economic pressures. The Florida delegation scored a major win when Rep. Kat Cammack successfully pushed Commerce to withdraw from the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement. Rep. Jimmy Panetta and Rep. Kat Cammack reintroduced disaster relief legislation that the FFVA endorses, while members like Sen. Tim Scott are calling for H-2A wage rate reforms.

The Bottom Line

The FFVA’s hiring of Penn Avenue Partners reflects the high stakes facing Florida agriculture. With Lauren Pastarnack Reamy’s direct ties to Sen. Marco Rubio and the team’s appropriations expertise, the association gains crucial access during active congressional debates on farm labor and trade policy.

All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!

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