The 29th Annual Gene A. Batson Award Luncheon on September 10, 2024 was a high-level affair. It's the FNGLA Action Chapter's most prestigious honor for contributions to the horticulture industry. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson was there; so was Mr. Batson, himself, as well as leaders from FNGLA, Farm Credit, movers and shakers in Florida's horticulture industry, and researchers and Extension agents from the University of Florida IFAS.
But for Liz Felter, Ph.D., who received the Batson Award that day, it felt more like an extended family reunion, a get-together with friends and colleagues she's known, worked with, and mentored for over 30 years.
As a UF/IFAS regional specialized extension agent, Felter works daily with researchers and growers to teach horticultural, environmental, and food systems topics to industry business owners. Among central Florida's plant industry, she's a legend, a pioneer who has led a wide-ranging and barrier-breaking career as a horticulturist, researcher, and educator.
In her awards introduction, Kathrein Markle, owner of Wekiwa Gardens, talked about Felter's early years as one of only nine female horticulture students at The State University of New York (SUNY). "The professors didn't know if they even should teach women how to drive a front-end loader or use a chainsaw," she said. "Yes, she can use a chainsaw and drive a front-end loader! Being Liz, she was determined to succeed. There goes another glass ceiling!"
Read more at FNGLA.