How Great Growers Support Their Peers
September 9, 2020 Do you have any hard tasks you actually look forward to? For me, those tend to be projects that, although they require a lot of mental energy and time, pull me in so deeply I lose track of time. For me, the Grower Achievement Award absorbs my imagination in this way.
I read each entry, taking notes, looking up what I can find about each person online, and get so immersed, days fly by.
This year was no exception. We received more than 50 nominations. I read through each nomination twice. The first time is to get a feel for who is in the running. The next time I read through, I begin sorting those who stand out. At that point, I share the “short list” with others on the selection team. The short list is rarely short, frankly.
Paul Allen from R.C. Hatton stood out from the beginning, because of what Lisa Lochridge (who leads Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s communications) calls his “transparency and integrity, explaining the painful, bleak situation” growers faced in the early days of the pandemic.
But there were so many other strong contenders.
Take one melon grower who tries to find system-wide solutions for growers. This grower recruits other growers and universities to solve watermelon production problems.
Another grower injects his staff with his passion for serving consumers produce from a “farming company with a soul.” His employees nominated him because he also walks the talk of how important work crews are to the company’s success.
In other cases, grocery store customers or fellow growers were so impressed with the quality and integrity of a grower they nominated him or her.
I’m hoping each and every one of these folks re-nominate their grower next year. In fact, I hope you will reach out to me year-round about amazing things you know a grower is doing to move the industry ahead. We’d love to throw a spotlight on the best of us.
Some growers just have the knack for inspiring others around them. They and all Grower Achievement Award-type operations make us reach for a better version of ourselves.
Naturally, this year’s winner is just that sort. Congratulations to Paul Allen and R.C. Hatton Farms. And thank you for standing up for everyone in the industry. We are better because of you.
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