"Tall Terril" Inducted Into SAF Hall of Fame

Chris Beytes

Not that he needed any more plaques for his office Wall of Fame, but Dr. Terril Nell, AAF, has one more: the Society of American Florists’ Hall of Fame, the floral industry’s highest honor. The induction ceremony took place September 9 during the Stars of the Industry Awards Recognition at the annual convention in September.

All of Terril’s accomplishments include:

■ He spent 35 years as a professor at the University of Florida, chairing its Environmental Horticulture Department from 1991 to 2012

■ He’s an expert on postharvest care and handling of flowering potted plants and cut flowers

■ He’s steadfastly advocated for floral research and funding, and held numerous leadership positions, most notably SAF President and Director of Research for AFE

■ He developed the UF Postharvest program, which concentrated on potted plant and cut flower performance for growers, shippers, wholesale, and retail florists and interior plantscapers

■ He was instrumental in lobbying for the Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative, which plays a critical role in generating scientific research on high-priority issues affecting all segments of the floral industry

■ He’s published hundreds of articles for academic journals and industry magazines, and has been a featured speaker at countless industry events

■ Since retiring from UF in 2012, Terril has served as the Director of Research for AFE

■ He’s served as an industry consultant for growers, wholesalers and retailers for more than 40 years

■ A few of Terril’s many accolades include SAF’s Paul Ecke, Jr. Award and Hall of Fame membership with the Florida State Florists Association, the International Fresh Produce Association, Florida Nursery Growers Landscape Association, and AmericanHort Interior Plantscape GT