Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida mourns the loss of its founder George H. Wedgworth, 88, who died today. The board of directors, staff and employees offer their collective heartfelt condolences to the entire Wedgworth family.
"George left his mark on every facet of our business, Florida agriculture as a whole and the entire Glades community," said Cooperative President and CEO Tony Contreras. "He was a great friend, mentor, a true leader and a man of the highest integrity."
"His visionary business acumen helped lead the sugar industry's success in Florida and nationwide despite the threats on many fronts," said Cooperative Chairman of the Board John L. Hundley. "George was especially forward thinking when it came to environmental issues leading the sugar industry's environmental committee going back to the late 1960s in the protection of clean air, water, and the protection of our fertile soil."
Wedgworth touched the lives of many people through his active involvement in the community, his leadership and formation of many agricultural trade organizations. He was best known as the person bringing people together, building consensus and looking out for the greater good. He was the recipient of many awards and accolades for his contributions to agriculture, the sugar industry and the community, including induction in The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1994 and named Sugar Man of the Year in 2005.
Source: Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida