Cranberry Leaders Recognized

By Growing Produce Staff|January 20, 2011

The Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association (WSCGA) announced that Molly Jahn and Harold Mezera have been named as the recipients of the 2011 WSCGA “Service to Industry Award.” The Service to Industry Award recognizes individuals or organizations that have provided exemplary service to Wisconsin’s cranberry growers. It is the highest recognition that the WSCGA provides.

Jahn served as Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2006 until the close of 2010. During her tenure, there were great advances in the College that supported successful cranberry growing in the state, including mainstreaming sustainability efforts and supporting significant cranberry research and research positions.

“I am truly grateful for this recognition from one of Wisconsin’s outstanding agricultural industries,” said Jahn. “It has been my great privilege and personal pleasure to work with the state’s cranberry industry because of its high standards of environmental integrity and its commitment to produce a crop that is good for consumers, and good for its producers and their Wisconsin communities.”

Mezera served as the long time manager of DuBay Cranberry near Knowlton, WI. During his tenure, the marsh provided support for the ongoing research programs at the University of Wisconsin and elsewhere. He also has served as a mentor for new growers and provided much guidance and support to other established growers.

According to Mike Moss, president of WSCGA, Jahn and Mezera are both outstanding and worthy recipients. “We appreciate the continuous hard work put forth over the years by both Molly and Harold,” Moss added. “WSCGA and its members are grateful for their leadership.”