Congrats, Dr. Liz Felter!

Chris Beytes

Dr. Liz Felter, long-time Central Florida regional specialized extension agent for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), has been given the 2024 Gene A. Batson Award by the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) Action Chapter—their highest honor!

Liz was presented the award on September 10 at the Action Chapter’s 29th Gene A. Batson Award luncheon in Apopka, Florida, where industry leaders and professionals celebrated her work and achievements.

The Gene A. Batson Award recognizes members who show outstanding leadership and service within the chapter and industry. Liz was selected based on her exceptional contributions to Florida’s horticultural community and dedication to advancing industry practices.

With a career spanning decades, Liz has become a key figure in both the FNGLA’s Action Chapter and Florida’s horticultural sector. She has significantly impacted the field through her extensive work in extension education, IPM scout training, plant clinic diagnostics, water research and her longstanding involvement with the Mid-Florida Research & Education Center’s plant clinic, one of the state’s longest-continuously running extension programs.

“I’m honored to receive the Gene A. Batson Award,” said Liz. “It is humbling to be recognized by the stakeholders you serve for doing a job that you love.”

Gene A. Batson was a prominent figure in the Apopka foliage industry, actively involved in improving nursery practices and plant production methods, and his contributions helped position Apopka as a leader in the foliage industry. GT