NARBA Distinguished Service Award
People make a difference
The North American Raspberry and Blackberry Association presents an annual award to recognize members of the raspberry and blackberry industry for their dedication, leadership and service. Since 2010 NARBA has awarded this honor to individuals who have shown excellence in the industry including growers, researchers, extension workers, and suppliers. Below is a list of past recipients.
Award Recipients:
2024 | Patrick Byers, University of Missouri Extension, Horticulture Field Specialist
2023 | Dr. Fumiomi Takeda, USDA ARS Appalachian Fruit Research Station (retired), Research Horticulturist and lead scientist
2022 | Debby Wechsler, North American Raspberry & Blackberry Association (retired), Executive Secretary
2021 | Dr. Eric Hanson, Michigan State University Dept. of Horticulture (retired), Professor Emeritus
2020 | Dr. Chad Finn, USDA-ARS, Corvallis, OR,Research Geneticist & Small Fruit Breeder. Awarded posthumously.
2019 | Dr. Gina Fernandez, Department of Horticulture, NC State University, John D. and Nell R. Leazar Distinguished Professor, Graduate Programs Director, Extension Specialist
2018 | Dr. Bernadine Strik, Oregon State University, Horticulturist, horticultural researcher, and professor of horticulture
2018 | Fred Finney, Moreland Fruit Farm, Wooster, OH, retired grower and past NARBA president
2017 | Fred Koenigshof, K&K Farm, Coloma, MI, grower
2016 | Charlie O’Dell, Blacksburg, VA, former Extension specialist and retired grower (Crows Nest Farm)
2015 | Dean and Judy Henry, Berry Patch Farm, Nevada, Iowa, growers
2014 | Nate and Tim Nourse, Nourse Farms, South Deerfield, MA, growers/nursery
2013 | Mark Bolda, University of California Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz, extension
2012 | Dr. John R. Clark, Department of Horticulture, University of Arkansas, Distinguished Professor of Horticulture, extension, blackberry breeding
2011 | Dr. Marvin Pritts, Department of Horticulture, Cornell University, Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Plant Sciences Major, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture Section
Professor, Department of Global Development
2010 | Ervin Lineberger, Kildeer Farm, Kings Mountain, NC, grower