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The red carpet, flash bulbs, and statues were conspicuously absent, but the heartfelt thanks from the recipients and appreciation from the audience members — in the form of standing ovations and cheers — was plentiful during the Citrus Hall of Fame Luncheon on Feb. 28 in Winter Haven.

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Dr. Larry Jackson and Bert Schultz, the 150th and 151st inductees, were received into the Hall of Fame for their contributions to the citrus industry. This event is co-sponsored by the Hall of Fame parent corporation, Florida Citrus Showcase, and Polk County Fair Inc., a non-profit organization, and the Florida Department of Citrus. The Florida Citrus Hall of Fame has been “honoring those who have given unselfishly of their time and efforts in the Florida citrus industry” since the early 1960s.

Bert Schultz

Bert Schultz and his father, William, started the Florida Chemical Company back in 1942. Sixty-five years ago, the market for extracted citrus oils was limited. Now, the company has become one of the largest producers of d-Limonene, which generated $45 million dollars in annual sales last year and adds 10¢ to every $1 of a citrus processor’s profit.

Dr. Larry Jackson

Jackson, 67, was recognized for his contributions as a citrus educator in several capacities. He worked as a citrus Extension agent, as a professor at the University of Florida (UF), and as the author of more than 260 articles and publications including the book, Citrus Growing in Florida. Jackson served as the chairman of the Fruit Crops Department from 1986 to 1991. After he retired from UF, he was selected as the scientific coordinator for the Citrus Production Research Advisory Council, which funds grower-related research through the box tax. Twice retired now, he still works as a citrus consultant.

Jackson, who may have educated more top citrus industry leaders than nearly anyone else, asked where the red carpet was and thanked the academy during his speech.

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