Jun 26, 2024

Washington Apple Commission taps Florida tomato leader as new head

The new head of the Washington Apple Commission (WAC) returns to the Evergreen State after working for the business interests of Florida tomato growers.

Michael Schadler, executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Exchange (FTE), is scheduled to begin as president of the Wenatchee, Washington, in September, according to a news release.

Schadler, who has led the tomato exchange since 2017, succeeds Todd Fryhover, who is retiring. Fryhover joined the commission in 2006 in a consultancy role before becoming president in 2008.

Schadler was also manager of the Florida Tomato Committee and executive vice president of the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange.

Formerly the apple commission’s export operations director, Fryhover for 20 years worked for apple shipping companies, including Chief Wenatchee Growers, Dovex Export Co. and Sun Chief Marketing.

Fryhover succeeded former president Dave Carlson, a Wapato grower who had been president for five years.

Before joining the tomato exchange, Schadler was director of international marketing at the Florida Department of Citrus. He was also with Bryant Christie, a consulting firm focused on a variety of agriculture-related issues.

“Michael’s background with trade associations, international marketing, advocacy, and grower relations make him an ideal fit for this position,” Fryhover said in a release. “I have confidence Michael and WAC staff will work seamlessly to represent the Washington apple grower community and take our programs to the next level in these challenging times for Washington State tree fruit.”

Schadler graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in international studies. He is also a member for several trade committees including the USDA Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables, the Canadian Produce Association North American Trade Committee, Florida Farm Bureau Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee, International Fresh Produce Association Government Relations Council, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, and others.

“Having been away from Washington for more than a decade, I’m excited to be returning and to have the opportunity to work on behalf of the state’s signature crop,” Schadler said in the release. “I’m looking forward to helping the apple industry manage a very competitive international landscape. There are a lot of headwinds, but the industry is well positioned to continue building on its long-term export success. It will be a privilege to join the Washington Apple Commission this September.”

Established in 1937 by the Washington State Legislature, the WAC is a non-profit, promotional organization dedicated to marketing and advertising fresh Washington apples internationally. WAC is one of the oldest U.S. commodity commissions. It is considered a governmental agency since it is state mandated, but is governed and partially funded by growers.