From the Grove: Benny McLean, The Heart Behind Uncle Matt’s Organic
If you’ve followed Uncle Matt’s Organic for any length of time, you’ve probably seen the name Benny McLean pop up in our stories again and again—and for good reason. Benny isn’t just a familiar face in the groves; he’s the roots, the heart, and the guiding hand behind everything we do. As the beloved patriarch of the McLean family and the original grove steward, Benny’s legacy is one that continues to shape our mission every single day.
Long before “organic” became a buzzword in households across America, Benny was already farming in a way that honored the land and protected the health of the fruit and people who enjoyed it. With a background in soil science and an instinctive respect for nature, Benny knew something that science continues to prove today: healthy soil grows healthy fruit. He often says with a chuckle, “I didn’t know what organic was. I just didn’t want to spray chemicals on my fruit.” That simple mindset—farming with integrity, humility, and respect for nature—would later become the foundation of Uncle Matt’s Organic.
When his son Matt officially founded Uncle Matt’s Organic in 1999, Benny came on board as Production Manager, bringing with him decades of hands-on farming experience, a quiet wisdom, and a work ethic that still sets the tone for our entire team. From sunrise walks through the groves to testing new soil blends or pest management strategies, Benny is a constant presence on the farm and a mentor to the next generation of growers.
Benny’s passion for innovation and sustainable farming never stopped. When Citrus Greening Disease began devastating citrus groves across Florida, Benny teamed up with Matt’s older brother, Ben, and researchers at the University of Florida to take action. Instead of reaching for chemical treatments, they turned to nature, releasing tiny, beneficial tamarixia wasps to control the Asian Citrus Psyllid—the insect that spreads the disease. Every week, Benny continues this practice, helping protect our groves the organic way.
Benny is truly the heart of of what we do. To his family, he’s a devoted dad, “Papaw” to the grandkids, and a daily reminder of what it means to farm with love and purpose. To our staff, he’s a role model, a problem-solver, and a calming force in the often-hectic world of agriculture. And to our customers, he’s the reason our juices taste the way they do—because every orange, every lemon, and every bottle of juice we make carries the care and dedication that Benny has poured into this land for decades.
There’s no Uncle Matt’s Organic without Benny McLean. His commitment to growing a healthier generation from the ground up is more than a motto—it’s the way he’s lived his life. And we’re so proud to keep telling his story, one tree, one grove, and one bottle at a time.
A Quick Q&A with “Papaw” McLean
UM: What’s your favorite citrus variety?
Papaw: Ruby Red Grapefruit
UM: What’s your favorite tractor?
Papaw: A big green one with citrus implements
UM: How do you like your grapefruit eaten?
Papaw: “Sectionized.”
UM: Favorite breakfast?
Papaw: Fresh organic grapefruit from my grove, 4 ounces of cottage cheese, and a handful of raw organic almonds
UM: What legacy do you want to leave your grandkids?
Papaw: I want them to understand that it’s the three L’s. #1: You got to love life. #2 You’ve got to love the land. #3 You’ve got to love the Lord. And if you can understand those three principles, you’ll carry this legacy onto the next generation.
UM: In your opinion, what’s the best reason for someone to try organic for the first time?
Papaw: I know that organic is a healthier source of citrus juice. I know that it has a higher antioxidant level than any of the other juices. If you’re going to drink orange juice because it’s healthy, then choose the healthiest one.
