2013 AHPA Awards recipients named

"AHPA is pleased to recognize the significant contributions that these members of the herbal industry have made to further elevate the status of quality-based botanical products for consumers around the world,"​ said Michael McGuffin, AHPA president.

"We hope that recognition such as the annual AHPA Awards encourages everyone involved in the industry to remain committed to the excellence displayed by this year's award winners."​

AHPA Herbal Hero Award​

Sidney Sudberg and Élan Sudberg of Alkemists Laboratories, a botanical identification and analytical testing company in Costa Mesa, CA, are this year’s AHPA Herbal Hero Award recipients, which recognizes individuals who make outstanding contributions to AHPA committees or initiatives.

AHPA Herbal Industry Leader Award​

This year's award goes to Trout Lake Farm, an organic herb grower in Trout Lake, WA, with special recognition of Martha Jane Johnson, cofounder and sales manager. This award recognizes companies that set an example of outstanding business practices or organizations that work to move the industry forward above and beyond normal business practices.

AHPA Herbal Insight Award​

This award, which recognizes individuals or noncommercial organizations that have a significant impact on furthering knowledge and understanding of botanicals and their uses, is presented to Josef Brinckmann, vice president of sustainability at Sebastopol, Calif.-based tea company Traditional Medicinals.

Special Award: The AHPA Visionary Award​

This year the Visionary Award goes to Lynda LeMole for her pioneering efforts in forwarding the use of herbal medicine, said AHPA.

“LeMole's contributions to the industry are invaluable, as she has inspired, taught, and supported legions of individuals, organizations, and businesses in the advancement of medicinal herbs,”​ said AHPA.