Michelle Opela
Company
Costa Farms
Job Title
IPM Manager
Accomplishments
- Responsible for developing a biological integrated pest management program to reduce company’s chemical input and increase the use of beneficials.
- As technical support manager, helped grow the company’s young plant division and developed technical support material.
Extracurricular
Not Only Does She Grow Plants at Work: “When I get home from working with plants I hop into taking care of my 400+ plants and I love every bit of it.”
Fun Facts
A Regional Delicacy: Michelle’s favorite food is the pork belly and watermelon taco at White Duck Tacos. “If you ever find yourself in Asheville, North Carolina, this is a must try!”
An Appropriate Childhood Nickname: “My nickname growing up was ‘Bug’ and now I work
with bugs!”
More 40 Under 40
Video Library 
GPN recognizes 40 industry professionals under the age of 40 who are helping to determine the future of the horticulture industry. These individuals are today’s movers and shakers who are already setting the pace for tomorrow.
