Veronique Sallin has been named the 2020 Woman of the Year in Agriculture, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced. The recognition is for women who have made exceptional contributions to Florida agriculture. Honorees come from throughout the agriculture community.
“Ms. Sallin’s unique leadership, passion and commitment continue to influence and broaden markets for Florida’s signature citrus industry while breaking barriers for generations of female agricultural leaders,” Fried said.
Sallin is the co-founder of IMG Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned company specializing in agriculture and land management established in 1979. She is the organization’s vice president of sales and marketing and director of organizational development. IMG has two subsidiaries, Cherrylake, Inc. and IMG Citrus.
Sallin has grown sustainably minded companies rooted in land management. Responsible for defining and shaping IMG’s company culture, she has brought a fresh perspective to the citrus industry. Throughout her career, Sallin has been involved with community organizations to help make an impact locally, and has established herself as a leader in the field in both the Unitd States and France. In 2012, French President Nicolas Sarkozy awarded Sallin the National Order of Merit for her personal and professional work in Florida to highlight French culture and heritage.
As an avid believer in and proponent of Florida grapefruit’s taste and superiority, Sallin has helped elevate Florida grapefruit globally. She has helped the industry achieve record exports in Europe, approaching 10 million boxes annually at its peak. Sallin continues to help push Florida citrus into foreign markets and has successfully shortened and streamlined its supply chain. In doing so, she has been able to break ground in creating new sales channels, selling directly to retailers in Europe and Japan; introducing fresher, higher quality Florida citrus for consumers; and enhancing food traceability.
FDACS, in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority and the Florida Farm Bureau Women’s Leadership Program, will honor Sallin during the Florida State Fair in Tampa in 2021.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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