What the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship Means to the Future of Florida Ag
February 21, 2022 A focus of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) and its foundation is to identify and develop leaders to be strong advocates for Florida agriculture and help foster a pipeline of talent in the industry. In an effort to instill passion for the agriculture industry, engage with a new generation of young leaders, and foster a workforce dedicated to the future of Florida agriculture, FFVA created the Mike and Karen Stuart Scholarship in 2021. The scholarship encourages and supports college students who intend to pursue a career in the specialty crop industry.
The scholarship is in recognition of the devotion and many years of service to the specialty crop industry that former FFVA President Mike Stuart and his late wife Karen provided. Mike Stuart worked in the fruit and vegetable industry throughout his more than 40-year career. From 1992 until his retirement in 2018, Stuart was President of FFVA.
During FFVA’s recent annual convention (FFVA 2021), two future leaders — Elanie Mason and Roberto Ortez — were honored as the first recipients of the scholarship after a competitive review process. Both recipients are students at the University of Florida and are expected to graduate in 2022.
In Mason’s application, she shared her affinity for Florida agriculture: “I am humbled to say that I am a first-generation agriculturalist. I did not grow up on a family farm, but I have sure been blessed with opportunities and experiences from farmers and ranchers, which have led me to the best industry in the world. I hope that my experiences will inspire others to dip deep and find their niche in the agricultural industry.”
A third-generation farmer, Ortez explained his connection to the industry as well: “This is where I grew up, started a life, and hope to stay for years to come. [The Everglades Agricultural Area] is my home, and I wish to carry on the agriculture legacy that began here almost a century ago. Farming is hard work and requires incredible amounts of labor and long hours, yet to me, it is satisfying.”
Both students have high aspirations to build a career within the industry, and FFVA is proud to offer an opportunity to help them achieve their goals. We wish them the very best in the years ahead.
Also during FFVA 2021, FFVA Mutual Insurance Co. donated $50,000 as a first step toward the scholarship fund’s endowment. The company challenged others to join in contributing to ensure the scholarship continues in perpetuity and to help reach more deserving students like Mason and Ortez.
To donate, visit https://one.bidpal.net/FFVA2021/browse/donation(details:item/1) or contact Sonia Tighe at [email protected].
Learn more about the scholarship and application process at https://www.floridaspecialtycropfoundation.org/.