FLORIDA ROOTS

Steven Callaham Wins 2020 Citrus Achievement Award

- PAUL CATALA

AS A POLK COUNTY NATIVE who was born and raised in Lake Wales during a time when the city had a substantially larger presence in the citrus industry, Steven Callaham was literally surrounded by the citrus industry.

Now 48, Callaham has spent that past 25 years working on the fresh fruit side of the Florida citrus industry. During the past two and a half decades, his innovation, dedication, and devotion to a signature Florida industry brought a deserved recognition to fruition.

In April, Callaham, who is the chief executive officer of Dundee Citrus Growers Association (DCGA), was named the 2020 Florida Grower Citrus Achievement Award winner. The award, presented by Frank Giles, editor of Florida Grower, was a crystal achievement vase.

Callaham, DCGA’s CEO since 2003, said Giles called him about the recognition and he was “very honored” to have found out about the selection.

“It was a very humbling thing to hear that I was getting the award,” says Callaham, sitting in his DCGA office in downtown Dundee. He adds that he’s never been in the citrus business seeking recognition or attention, but to do his best in helping the citrus industry strive throughout Polk County and beyond.

“I just like to do the very best job I can. I don’t know who nominated me, so I was very surprised to have gotten (the award),” he says.