MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — During the 2017 Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Harvard Farmer Franklyn Carlson received the 2017 John Ogonowski Award. The annual award is given to a Farm Bureau member who has demonstrated distinguished service to the organization, to agriculture and to the community.
MFBF established the award in 2001 as a memorial to John Ogonowski, longtime MFBF member, county leader and victim of the Sept. 11 attack. Ogonowski was the pilot of American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center. He was actively involved in the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, serving as a mentor to immigrant farmers.
“I am pleased Frank received this award,” said MFBF President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “He has been a long-time friend of mine, has been involved in many committees and groups focused on apple and fruit growing and is a deserving recipient of this award.”
Currently, Carlson is president of Carlson Orchards, Inc., in Harvard on which him and his two brothers grow 80 acres of apples and 25 acres of peaches and nectarines. They direct market through distributors, a retail farm market and pick-your-own for in-season crops.
“His service record is impressive, which is why we honored him with the Ogonowski award at MFBF’s annual meeting on Nov. 30,” Davidian said. “He also has shown a record for operating a successful business. For example, him and his two brothers established a large cider production business over a span of 25 years. While this business was recently sold to New England Apple Products Co, the Carlson Brand remains intact.”
Carlson’s daughter and Worcester County Farm Bureau President, Katie, presented the award to her father during the event.
Congratulations, Frank!
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
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