Felicity Robson, of Brisbane based family business OneHarvest, has become the first Australian to be honoured in Produce Business magazine’s 40-under-Forty.
The annual award, held in 2010 for the sixth consecutive year, recognises the top 40 leaders of the international produce industry under 40 years of age, and is awarded on characteristics of leadership, community involvement and outstanding achievement.
Felicity is the General Manager of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for OneHarvest, and also represents the third generation within the Australian owned and managed business.
“To receive this coveted award is very exciting for the family business,” Felicity said.
“To be the only Australian recognised in this group of international leaders is very unexpected, but very humbling.
“It is often touted that there are not enough young people entering horticulture. I know that this industry provides so many interesting and challenging career options. Recognition like this provides the opportunity to showcase just that.”
Globally Felicity has led OneHarvest through international partnership negotiations and currently is serving as an inaugural board member of PMA Australia-New Zealand, chairing its Fresh Forums Taskforce. She also is a member of US based PMA’s Membership Structure Taskforce.
Felicity has represented the Australian produce industry on numerous committees, including the Horticulture Code of Conduct Review, the Food and Agriculture Policy Working Group, and currently sits on the Australian Food and Grocery Council Sustainable Business Practices Committee.
Felicity is also co-founder and board member of Chicks in Pink, a breast cancer charity that supports and cares for women and families affected by the disease.
After learning of her inclusion in the 40-under-Forty list for 2010, Felicity credited her hard-working family, and referred to her father as one of her mentors.
“I grew up surrounded by a passion and drive for business that was infectious.
“My father is the most visionary, strategic person I have ever met. His ability to think larger than life, to make bold moves when needed and to step into the unknown has been inspirational,” she said.
“We are in the process of handing over our business from one generation to the next, and my goal – in partnership with my sister and brothers – is to continue to build a great business whilst acting as custodians of our family business for the next generations.
The coveted 40-under-Forty award is among the most prestigious honours in the produce industry.
Each winner is invited to attend the “Rising Star” reception at the Produce Marketing Association convention in Orlando, USA in October this year.
Source: OneHarvest
