Sara Katz, Kelly Kindscher, Mark Blumenthal, Oregon’s Wild Harvest and Steven Yeager awarded for outstanding contributions
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) presented its 2019 awards to individuals and an organization that have made significant contributions to the continued success of the herbal products industry at AHPA's Annual Member meeting at Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim.
2019 AHPA AWARDS
· 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
Established in 2006, the annual AHPA Awards acknowledge individuals and organizations that help further AHPA's goal of promoting the responsible commerce of herbs and herbal products.
"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
Four decades after she co-founded Herb Pharm, Sara Katz is being 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.
She was United Plant Savers (UpS) board president for a decade and continues to serve in an advisory role. She and Herb Pharm co-founder Ed Smith also created a UpS Botanical Sanctuary on the farm. That work also informed the curriculum of the Herb Pharm Herbaculture Internship Program, which she calls one of her greatest achievements.
Sara is also actively involved in the library system in Josephine County, Ore., where Herb Pharm is located and which she still calls home. She brings the same grounded balance to her work there, just as she does in the herbal community.