Florida Specialty Crop Industry Loses Promoter, Friend

George F. Sorn, a giant in agriculture who worked tirelessly to promote and protect the industry in Florida, passed away on Feb. 24. He was 86. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, and daughter, Valerie.

Photo courtesy of FDACS

Photo courtesy of FDACS

The son of German immigrants, he was born and raised in Bridgeton, NJ. His father was a farmer. As a young man, Sorn spent summers harvesting fresh fruits and vegetables, eventually landing a job with Seabrook Farming Corp. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 months. After graduation from Rutgers University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Sorn returned to Seabrook and served in various capacities in the labor area. He went to work for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association (FFVA) in 1953 as a field representative. He became FFVA’s labor division manager in 1967 and was named assistant general manager in 1981. He was named secretary-treasurer, executive vice president and general manager in April 1984. Although his many responsibilities with FFVA kept him busy, Sorn found time to be involved with important humanitarian causes, including the Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA). He continued to serve on the RCMA’s Christmas card fundraising committee until he suffered a stroke two years ago. His deep interest in the families and children of farmworkers led the Florida Specialty Crop Foundation to establish the George F. Sorn Scholarship in 2007. The program helps children of farmworkers in the specialty crop industry realize their dreams of a college education. Sorn received FFVA’s Distinguished Service Award in 1992 and was named to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2002. Among other honors, he was recognized by Optimist International, the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security, and UF/IFAS. He retired from FFVA after a full and illustrious agricultural career in 1992. He was a member of The Cathedral Church of St. Luke in Orlando, where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 1.

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Source: FFVA

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