US: SAF's Schmale recognized by International Trade Organization
The award acknowledged the many successful roles Schmale has played within NAPPO, all pointing toward the goal of strengthening policies, as well as relationships between industry and government officials, to ensure the safe and effective movement of plant material across international borders.
“This recognition is well deserved,” said SAF’s Chief Operating Officer Drew Gruenburg. “Lin has spent countless hours making sure the floral industry’s concerns are heard.”
The official award pronouncement also cited Schmale’s service on the NAPPO Industry Advisory Group, her expertise and contributions to several NAPPO panels and her involvement in developing regional standards for controlling the spread of plant diseases and pests.
“I am a little overwhelmed at this recognition,” Schmale says. “It has been important for our industry, but it also has been very much a work of love.”
NAPPO is comprised of government officials from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. who come together to address regulatory and trade concerns about the movement of plants among the three countries. NAPPO is also a valuable forum for discussions of important issues including greenhouse and nursery certification and new pest detections, and helps guide international trade of plants under the World Trade Organization, the North American Free Trade Agreement and other treaty obligations.
Schmale has served on several NAPPO panels, representing horticultural industry views on issues ranging from greenhouse and nursery certification to import of “plants for planting,” and has represented SAF at the organization’s annual meetings for nearly 20 years.
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