ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Two members of the St. Johns County agricultural community were recognized for their leadership at the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s 82nd annual convention in Naples, Fla.
Carleton Johns, vice president of Tater Farms, was elected as an at-large director on the FFVA Board of Directors. Gage Hjort, turf operations manager for Tater Farms, was recognized as a graduate of the association’s leadership program.
FFVA members approved Johns’ nomination during the association’s annual board and membership meetings. Johns also serves on the St. Johns County Agriculture Advisory Committee, which helps identify opportunities to support and strengthen local agriculture.
Gage Hjort, turf operations manager for Tater Farms, was recognized as a graduate of Class 15 in the FFVA Emerging Leaders Development Program. The program offers participants opportunities to build leadership skills and gain a deeper understanding of Florida’s specialty crop industry.
Prissy Fletcher serves as the agricultural liaison for St. Johns County. Fletcher highlighted the significance of the recognitions for the local farming community.
“This is a wonderful achievement for our farmers and our community,” Fletcher said. “FFVA recognizes the value of Tater Farms’ contributions to the agricultural industry from the perspective of diversification and experimentation. This farming family and their team understands how to evolve with the times, all while creating a supportive work environment for their employees. I am honored that we have St. Johns County representation on their board, along with graduates from their leadership academy!”
Tater Farms is a multigenerational, family-owned farm located in Hastings. Frank and Polly Johns founded the operation in 1975, initially growing staple crops such as potatoes and cabbage.
The farm expanded its operations in 2005 by planting its first turfgrass crop. The operation now manages more than 4,000 acres of turfgrass varieties, with sod forming the core of its production.
Tater Farms has also expanded into citrus, growing Noble Juicy Crunch tangerines. Eric Hjort serves as president of the farm alongside Carleton Johns, who is the son of the founders.
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
