Early in her career, Jennifer Schaal worked in public accounting and found herself wanting to make a deeper impact.
“For a long time, I felt the desire to help my clients by diving deeper into their organizations’ financials and procedures, but public accounting standards don’t allow for that,” Schaal said.
That desire ultimately led her to transition to the citrus industry, where she could apply her financial expertise directly to an agricultural operation.
In 2009, she started work as an accounting manager with a subsidiary of Dundee Citrus Growers Association (Dundee CGA). She was promoted to controller before moving to Dundee CGA in 2017 as vice president of finance. By 2020, she was chief financial officer.
In addition to her job at Dundee, Schaal contributes to citrus industry organizations. She serves on the Citrus Administrative Committee and is secretary of the Florida Citrus Packers. She was part of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association’s (FFVA) Emerging Leader Development Program’s (ELDP) Class 10, graduating in September 2021. A year later, she joined the FFVA board of directors in an ELDP alumni seat.
“Since I entered the private sector, the industry has continued to face financial challenges, leading many growers, organizations and associations to exit,” Schaal said. “However, there are still many bright spots for those who remain.”
Schaal said the adversity faced by the citrus industry has driven innovation, leading to new and improved growing methods. She said a major breakthrough for Dundee CGA is citrus under protective screen (CUPS), “which enables us to cultivate high-quality citrus for the fresh market without the HLB pressure affecting outdoor groves. Additionally, many of our growers are seeing promising results from new bactericide treatments, which are enhancing tree health and improving fruit quality.”
“Every day is different. Every season is different,” Schaal said. “One of my favorite aspects of my role is going out to our CUPS facilities to see the progress of new construction, checking in on the trees and fruit crops, and participating in tours. I love that we have a positive story, and I get to help tell it.”
Source: FFVA
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