This year’s 40 men and women were nominated by their peers for achievements in their personal and professional lives. They represent a vast cross-section of our industry — from plant entrepreneurs to Ph.D. researchers growers to marketers, and everything in between.

Each person demonstrates superior leadership, creativity, compassion and innovative thinking.

In the following pages, you’ll learn more about their accomplishments and the ways they like to spend their time off the clock. They are already making a difference and have big plans as they continue to grow in the industry.