November 2023
Florida Farm Bureau has presented John and Emilee Peterson of Baker County with the organization’s 2023 Achievement in Agriculture Award. This high honor recognizes Young Farmers and Ranchers for their skill at farm production, development of their agricultural enterprise and service to Farm Bureau as well as the local community.
John and Emilee own World Honey Market, LLC, in Sanderson, Fla. They own two rural general stores where they sell all-natural, pure raw honey as well as locally grown produce and meat. Additionally, the couple has retail markets in more than a dozen countries and has developed a workforce training initiative that partners with aspiring beekeepers in five countries.
“It’s such an honor for us to receive this award, we are very grateful and blessed,” said John Peterson.
Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith presented the Achievement in Agriculture Award to John and Emilee during the organization’s annual meeting in Orlando on Oct. 25.
As Florida’s Achievement in Agriculture Award winner, John and Emilee received a $500 check from Florida Farm Bureau Federation and a cash prize of $45,000, courtesy of Florida Farm Bureau Insurance Companies. They will also receive an expense paid trip to the 2024 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah Jan. 19-22, to represent the Sunshine State in the national Achievement in Agriculture Award competition.
Other finalists for this award included Buck & NoraBeth Carpenter of Madison County and Brandt & Samantha Hendricks of Santa Rosa County. They will receive $1,000 courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Companies.