February 2023 - 21

Matthew thanked Yonce and the peach council, and
said the Mr. Peach award was his grandfather's " most
prized possession. "
Recognizing dedication to ag labor
A new GFVGA award traces its roots to Operation
Blooming Onion, a multi-agency investigation that
focused on labor law violations at Georgia onion farms
and elsewhere. Authorities said 24 people conspired
to smuggle Mexican and Central Americans and forced
them to work. Butts said the GFVGA determined it
needed a vehicle to recognize those in the industry that
support ag workers.
" The award celebrates those who advocate on
behalf of both employers and those who support
opportunities for ag workers, " Butts said. " One
person's name comes to mind when you talk about
leadership in the ag workforce. "
That person is Dan Bremer, president of AgWorks H2
LLC, Valdosta, Georgia, who the award is named after.
" He and his staff's experience with H-2A and H-2BN
has served our industry well, " Butts said. " In addition to
his service to our industry and growers, he's provided
outstanding service to GFVGA. "
Bremer has donated his time as a GFVGA committee
chair, event speaker and overall supporter of the
association, and Butts said he's the " go-to person " for
all H-2A-related questions.
At the breakfast, the show also recognized
individuals from other organizations who were honored
throughout the year.
Phil Brannen, a University of Georgia Extension fruit
disease specialist, was honored by being inducted into
the IPM Hall of Fame. Brannen develops IPM practices
to solve disease issues and technology transfer of
disease-management methods. The Southern IPM
Center recognizes extraordinary contributions to the
development and implementation of IPM measures.
Each year, the Southern IPM Center recognizes an
industry member for extraordinary contributions to the
development and implementation of IPM for the honor.
Ashley Hoppers, a Georgia Extension agent for
Fannin and Gilmer counties, won the Donnie Morris
Extension Award of Excellence. David Lillard, of
Mercier Orchards in Blue Ridge, Georgia, said in his
nomination letter that Hoppers is " young, enthusiastic
and very enthusiastic " and " always working to find
answers for farmers. "
Other awards included:
* National Friend of Extension Award: Bill Brim,
president, CEO and co-owner of Lewis Taylor
Farms Inc.
* Friend of the Georgia County Extension Agent
Award: Charles Hall, GFVGA's executive director
emeritus.
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FRUITGROWERSNEWS.COM | 21
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February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of February 2023
