CHICAGO — During the U.S. Apple Association’s Outlook 2024 conference, The Packer presented Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, with its 2024 Apple Person of the Year Award.
Smith started working for the Michigan Apple Committee nearly 30 years ago as a college student and has held almost every role within the organization. Smith and the committee built a strong research program at Michigan State University utilizing funds from grower assessments. The university recognized Smith in 2019 with its Friend of Extension Award.
Nominators say her relationships, connections, determination and willingness to help are immeasurable assets to her state’s apple growers and industry.
“Over the course of her career, Diane has positively represented the needs, challenges and goals of the Michigan Apple industry and been committed to ensuring the industry has a seat at the table where important decisions are being made,” said Gretchen Mensing, communications and marketing director for the Michigan Apple Committee. “She has brought food safety training, production and post-production research and innovative technologies, legislative education leadership (state and federal), crisis communications, COVID relief, risk management, loan programs, and more to this industry, and the list goes on.”
Smith’s background in marketing was also cited for helped bring new ideas and concepts to fruition, and one of her first goals as executive director was to increase the frequency and method of communication to Michigan apple growers.
“Diane is an analytical and strategic thinker and does not settle for the status quo. She is not afraid of challenging convention and changing course when change is needed,” said Dan O’Connell, founder and CEO of FoodMix Marketing Communications. “As an example, Diane has taken bold moves in marketing, changing the committee’s course to focus on consumer education, awareness and purchase. Despite a small team, she leads and oversees the execution of big thinking on behalf of Michigan apple growers and the industry at large.”
Quinten Tyler, director of Michigan State University Extension, said Smith was instrumental in joining forces with other commodity groups to improve the infrastructure at Michigan State University’s fruit research centers to create the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission.
“In addition to her passion and dedication to Michigan’s apple industry, Diane is respected by her peers in other apple-growing states and often serves the entire U.S. apple industry in national and international roles. She works diligently to protect U.S. apple growers’ interest in international markets through her active involvement with the U.S. Apple Export Council,” Tyler said. “She has attended several international produce shows and trade missions, representing Michigan’s apple industry on the global stage.”
Smith represents her state’s apple industry on U.S. Apple’s Capitol Hill Day and works closely with the U.S. Apple Association to strengthen messages to key federal leaders and decision-makers. She has also held leadership roles with U.S. Apple’s Export Council and participated in efforts to expand apple exports to new and existing global markets.
“Anyone who interacts with Diane knows she serves the apple industry in Michigan very well and with a servant spirit,” said Amy Irish-Brown, sustainable solutions specialist for Valent USA. “What many might not know is the extent of her involvement and influence beyond the state and country borders. She is highly respected by peers in other apple growing states and is often called upon to serve the entire U.S. apple industry in national and international roles which only strengthens the whole of our Michigan specialty crop industry in a global marketplace. Diane is a collaborator with many — all to the benefit of the Michigan apple industry that is incredibly lucky to have her expertise and guidance.”
Sen. Debbie Stabenow recognized Smith for her determination passion and enthusiasm and said Smith’s strong relationships with specialty crop industry leaders, growers and apple industry leaders help to benefit Michigan’s apple industry and specialty crops nationwide.
“As chair of the Senate Agriculture Nutrition and Forestry Committee, Diane has been a valuable and trusted resource for me and my staff over the years,” Stabenow said. “She has been an informative and creative leader who has been instrumental in insuring that the importance of the apple industry and other specialty crops is reflected in our nation’s farm bill and other federal policies.”
Smith’s reaction
Following the award presentation, Smith said she was humbled by the recognition and called it a reflection on not only herself but the staff and Michigan Apple Committee board.
“This award isn’t just about me. It’s about everybody, because we have all done so much work,” she told The Packer.”
She said she originally took the job at the Michigan Apple Committee because she needed a part-time job, and she fell in love with the apple industry.
She says one of her favorite parts about working in the industry is working with the growers.
“I’m just so amazed by their resiliency,” she said. “I always say they’re artists, they’re scientists and they’re gamblers, and it’s amazing to me that things like 2012 can happen, and they immediately jump right back up, and they’re right in it.”
Though 2012 was a devastating year for the growers in the state, she said it’s one that stuck with her as she began her role as executive director. She said she was struck by the amount of investment growers put into their orchards to prevent it from happening again.
“They’re so hard working and they just don’t give up,” she said. “To lose 97% of your crop and make it into something truly beautiful and produce — I’m biased — the best fruit, I think from anywhere.”
Smith said she’s also honored to be recognized in a male-dominated industry.
“The Michigan apple industry has some of the best women working for it, and I’m just really excited that I’m honored alongside a lot of those people,” she said.
