Industry Pioneer Award: Sara Katz, Herb Pharm
Herbal Hero Award: Steven Yeager, Mountain Rose Herbs
Herbal Industry Leadership Award: Oregon’s Wild Harvest
Herbal Insight Award: Kelly Kindscher, Ph.D., University of Kansas
Super Natural Award: Mark Blumenthal, American Botanical Council
The awards were presented at AHPA's Annual Member meeting on March 6 at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, CA.
“Every year, AHPA recognizes the hard work and dedication of individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to ensure the continued success of the herbal industry. AHPA and the entire herbal products industry have greatly benefited from their expertise and passion for herbs,” said AHPA President Michael McGuffin. “These awards are a small token of our gratitude for their tireless efforts.”
Pioneer
Pictured above in A (left) Sara Katz, co-founded Herb Pharm, was honored as a thought leader and influential voice in the herbal community. Known as an herbal pioneer, Sara was not only instrumental in establishing Herb Pharm’s reputation and success, but she was also an early supporter of United Plant Savers and a devoted teacher, as part of our Herb Pharm's one-of-a-kind, experiential herbal internship program.
Sara became a key figure in the “herbal renaissance.” Though she co-founded what is now one of the oldest and most respected herbal products companies in the country, herbal education and plant conservation have become her life’s work.
Herbal Hero
Pictured above in B (left), Steven Yeager, the Quality Director at Mountain Rose Herbs, received the Herbal Hero Award from Roy Upton.
Yeager is a long-time supporter of AHPA, serving as a member of the Board of Trustees and contributor to countless committees and working groups. He has also served as a faculty member at AHPA workshops.
“Steven is always a willing to work cooperatively for the greater good of the entire community,” Upton said. “AHPA and the broader herbal industry have long benefited from Steven’s expertise, which he provides generously.”
Industry Leadership
Pictured above in C, Oregon’s Wild Harvest received the Industry Leadership Award (presented by Steven Dentali, PhD). The company, which celebrates its 25th Anniversary in 2019, was recognized for setting an example of outstanding business practices and working to move the industry forward above and beyond normal business practices.
Founded in 1994, the company’s mission is, to heal people and the planet by producing pure, potent herbal supplements, and this is reflected in their farming, testing and production practices, which go above and beyond industry standards. As organic and biodynamic farmers, the company is deeply connected to the soil, plants, pollinators and the environment.
Herbal Insight
Pictured in D above, Kelly Kindscher, PhD, from the University of Kansas (on the screen behind Daniel Gagnon) was presented the Herbal Insight Award for his impact on furthering knowledge and understanding of botanicals and their uses. Kelly is best known as a passionate advocate for native plants, native landscapes and wild places.
His research is focused on native prairies, prairie plants and plant communities. He is a conservationist, teacher, mentor and environmental problem solver, and the author of books on edible and medicinal plants.
Working with the AHPA ERB Foundation, he has helped increase industry and regulators’ understanding of sustainable harvest of wild osha and co-authored the "Harvest Sustainability Study of Wild Populations of Osha, Ligusticum porteri."
Super Natural
Pictured in E above, American Botanical Council (ABC) Founder Mark Blumenthal was presented the special Super Natural award by Mark Plotkin, PhD, for creating and promoting positive information about herbal ingredients for more than 40 years.
With more than 43 years of diverse experience as an herbal advocate, consultant, educator, researcher, writer, and advisor, Mark has an extensive comprehensive background in the area of herbs and medicinal plants. Since 1988, he has been an educator and researcher in his role as Executive Director of the non-profit ABC.