Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Names Customer of the Year and Researcher of the Year; Jeff Goodale, John Rivers, and Elizabeth Malek Comment

Monday, Sep. 19th, 2022

by Anne Allen

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MAITLAND, FL - It simply cannot be overstated that teamwork really does make the dream work, and to honor those who have contributed to the success of Florida agriculture, the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) recently gave out awards. Presented during its 78^th annual convention, the association celebrated 4R Restaurant Group as its 2022 Customer of the Year and Nathan Boyd as its Researcher of the Year.

“It is an honor and a blessing to be presented with this award,” said John Rivers, Chief Executive Officer at 4R Restaurant Group and 4Roots Farm. “One of the 4R Restaurant Group’s missions is to invest in a sustainable food system, which we believe starts with supporting our local farms. From seed to table it is consistent, quality ingredients that are at the forefront of flavor and customer success. FFVA continues to be an incredible resource to the Florida grower-shipper community and 4R Restaurant Group, allowing us to serve our customers the best in what Florida farming has to offer.”

The annual award recognizes the vital role that foodservice and retail merchandising play in the promotion and sale of fresh Florida produce, a release stated. FFVA gives the honor to a valued partner that works alongside producers to spotlight Florida products.

Presented during its 78th annual convention, the association celebrated 4R Restaurant Group as its 2022 Customer of the Year

4R Restaurant Group has achieved this by developing partnerships with agricultural operations across the Sunshine State, including FFVA members. Consumers can learn more about its locally sourced ingredients by visiting its 4 Rivers Smokehouse locations, including the farm where they originated, thereby raising industry awareness.

Jeff Goodale, Director of Domestic Sales, Duda Farm Fresh Foods and Chair of the Supply Chain Management Committee, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association “If you’ve ever had the opportunity to spend time with John Rivers, you’ll know that his life’s purpose is to help people,” said Duda Farm Fresh Foods Director of Domestic Sales Jeff Goodale, who chairs FFVA’s Supply Chain Management Committee. “John and the 4R Restaurant Group have built a successful business supporting Florida farmers and countless communities across the state. I can’t think of a more deserving recipient for this award.”

Also taking home an award from FFVA was Boyd who is a professor and Associate Center Director at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Boyd has been focusing on the development of integrated weed management programs for small fruits and vegetables in addition to enhancing the industry’s understanding of weed biology.

Elizabeth Malek, Crop Protection Assistant Manager, Lipman Family Farms and FFVA Research Committee Chair “Through his extension work and research on integrated weed management programs, Dr. Nathan Boyd has made advancements resulting in major impacts on Florida agriculture,” said Elizabeth Malek, Lipman Family Farms Crop Protection Assistant Manager, and FFVA Research Committee Chair. “He has developed an excellent reputation for himself among his colleagues and growers across the state, making him an asset to the industry. Dr. Boyd is highly deserving of this prestigious award.”