Mac Carraway Named Florida AgVocate Of The Year
October 15, 2012 
Mac Carraway, president of SMR Farms of Bradenton, FL, was honored as AgVocate of the Year by the Agriculture Institute of Florida during the organization’s 2012 annual meeting. The honor recognizes individuals who effectively communicate with opinion leaders and the public to increase recognition and appreciation of the important contributions agriculture makes to Florida’s economy and environment.
Carraway was chosen for his advocacy during the past year on behalf of the agriculture industry. Carraway actively engaged with county commissioners, the general public and environmental advocates in three counties that were considering ordinances regulating landscape fertilizer use. In one-on-one meetings and public hearings, Carraway offered information and support for science-based, common sense solutions that would bring mutually beneficial and measurable results.
“Mac’s firm, fair, dedicated and solution-oriented approach has been a tremendous asset for our industry, as he has been able to persuade regulators to slow down, dig deeper, and understand more as we work toward mutually beneficial solutions to the challengesFloridais facing,” said Betsy McGill, executive director of Florida Sod Growers Cooperative.
McGill added that Carraway has long been an excellent communicator for not only the turfgrass and sod industry but for the entireFloridaagriculture industry during his on-the-job and personal time.
Carraway serves on the board of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative and is a director and past president of the Florida Turfgrass Association. He represents both organizations as vice chair of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Agricultural Advisory Committee and has served on the board of directors of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association and its Natural Resources Committee.
SMR Farms produces sod and improved turfgrasses, containerized and field-grown trees, premium Brangus and hybrid cattle, and citrus for both the juice and fresh-fruit markets.
Carraway was featured as Florida Grower’s July 2011 cover story for his wise use of water resources.
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