Edward, Ferdinand S. and Joseph Duda Inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
TALLAHASSEE, FL – Edward, Ferdinand S. and Joseph Duda have been inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.
This year’s inductees were announced by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation.
“Each of these men left an indelible mark on the history of Florida agriculture,” Commissioner Putnam said. “Not only are they leaders in their respective fields, but they’ve also influenced agriculture industries in other parts of the world. I’m proud to honor these Floridians for their contributions.”
According to a press release, all three men are members of the Duda family’s third generation and have represented their family’s collective ownership in the agriculture and real estate business known as A. Duda & Sons, Inc. by serving as President, CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Under their 33 years of leadership at Duda, the men have witnessed major expansion, diversification and innovation including:
- Development of a world-class celery breeding program, which currently boasts 19 patents
- Partnerships with other Florida growers to ensure steady supply for growing customer base, national supermarket retail and foodservice clients
- Creation of new markets for its value-added innovations
- Utilization of integrated pest management (IPM) to minimize pesticides
- Awarded the Florida Agriculture commissioner’s Ag-Environmental Leadership Award for its pesticide/nutrient management in 1994
Edward, Ferdinand and Joseph also contributed their time, experience and knowledge by taking on leadership roles in the agriculture industry, according to a press release.
Edward served as a Director of the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida for 16 years and as a board member and Chairman of the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association from 1981-1997.
Ferdinand served as a board member of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and as Chairman in 1993. He also gave testimony to the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture regarding the proposed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Joseph was a founding member of the Florida Land Council and served as its first Chairman from 1985-1990. He was also a member of the Nation and Florida Cattlemen’s Associations from 1973-2011.
It is clear that these men have left their mark on the Florida agriculture industry. Congratulations on this honor, Edward, Ferdinand and Joseph!
