For his work as “an advocate for fact-based answers” on issues affecting the crop protection industry, Don Alexander is this year's recipient of the Southern Crop Production Association's highest honor for service to agriculture and the ag chemicals industry.

The Don W. Beise Award, given annually to a person outside the organization, honors the late SCPA leader, and was presented at the annual convention of the association at Amelia Island, Fla.

Alexander, executive vice president of the Agricultural Council of Arkansas, was particularly cited for his efforts with spray drift issues.

“In 2006, when spray drift became the hot topic in Arkansas, Don was at the forefront, insuring that facts were presented accurately and that a reasonable solution could be achieved,” said Ed Duskin, SCPA executive vice president.

“He is an advocate for fact-based answers without over-regulation of the industry. He works extremely well with our State Affairs Committee and is an active communicator of issues to all parties concerned.

“His knowledge and enthusiasm go a long way toward making sure we have a viable crop protection industry as we move into the future.”

Alexander is “a driving force for reviewing and updating laws and regulations to insure their practical application in today's business environment,” Duskin said.

For 31 years, Alexander has been involved in agriculture and crop protection, managing various Plant Board programs, and in 1995 was named director of the Arkansas State Plant Board. During his tenure with the board, he “helped build strong, meaningful relationships with the farm community and regulated industries,” Duskin said.

He has served as a member of the Arkansas Fire Ant Advisory Board and Arkansas Boll Weevil Foundation, and is a past president of the Southern State Departments of Agriculture. The recipient of the 2002 Arkansas Green Industry Sturdy Oak Award, he was inducted into the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials Hall of Fame in 2004.