The late Charles W. Adams, James H. “Jim” Graham and Daniel R. “Dan” Richey will be inducted into the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame March 28, 2025.
ADAMS
Adams (1879–1945) was a partner in Adams Packing Association and Growers Fertilizer Corporation. He impacted the citrus industry with his progressive ideas for growth.
Adams moved from Michigan to Florida in 1911 and purchased a grove between Lake Alfred and Auburndale. In Detroit, he had developed what may have been the world’s largest dentist office.
He acquired existing groves and planted new ones. He was reportedly Florida’s first grower to own 1,000 acres of citrus.
In 1927, Adams teamed with others to form Adams Packing Association in Auburndale. It became one of the largest packinghouses of its time.
In1934, Adams and a partner started Growers Fertilizer Cooperative in Lake Alfred.
In 1941, Adams Packing entered the juice business and eventually became the fifth largest juice processor in the state.
GRAHAM
Throughout a 34-year career at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Citrus Research and Education Center, Graham worked on research and Extension programs. His work on citrus pathogens and root diseases produced management strategies that became the industry standard.
Graham was very involved in trying to eliminate canker from Florida. When hurricanes made that impossible, he became the go-to researcher on canker suppression. His research led to many of the recommendations on canker, greasy spot, diaprepes root weevil, phytophthora and HLB in today’s Florida Citrus Production Guide.
Graham has participated in many global collaborations with research institutions in other countries.
Upon his retirement from UF/IFAS, he became an advisor to the Citrus Research and Development Foundation.
Graham has published hundreds of citrus manuscripts, book chapters and articles. He has participated in more than 200 international symposia, seminars and workshops, and is rarely absent from the agendas of Florida citrus industry events. He has also been very active as a teacher and mentor.
RICHEY
Richey has been at the helm of Riverfront Packing in Vero Beach for decades, building it into a preeminent export and domestic shipper of Indian River grapefruit.
He is an appointed advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture regarding international trade. He has served many leadership roles in Florida citrus, including as chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission, president of Florida Citrus Packers and chairman and president of the Indian River Citrus League.
Richey is the “go-to” contact for many politicians and media outlets. He has extensive knowledge of citrus production, regulations, economics, logistics and trade.
Richey is known for building consensus. He has helped open and build export markets, hosted and attended countless trade missions, and worked in concert with state and federal agencies to establish and improve export protocols for fresh Florida citrus.
Source: Florida Citrus Hall of Fame
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