Florida Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award Recognizes Industry Leaders
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
In June 2021, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced the 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award winners. The award, presented to farmers and ranchers since 1994, recognizes innovative practices to protect and preserve resources.
The United States Department of Agriculture notes the impact of climate change on crops, with the state facing a greater risk of increased heat, flooding, drought, wildfires and hurricanes. This makes these contributions all the more impactful.
“Every acre of farmland is an opportunity, and together we can preserve our precious natural resources for generations to come,” Commissioner Fried says.
Nominations are reviewed by a committee of representatives from several organizations, including FDACS, The Nature Conservancy, Water Management Districts, Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Dairy Council of Florida and others.
Sandy Stein, The Jungle Nursery
Sandy Stein was chosen as a winner because of his innovative program to use insects to combat pests rather than chemical treatments. Open since 1981, the 25-acre foliage nursery in Homestead was founded by Stein and his wife, Robin. They proudly provide pest-free plants to clients in all 50 states and have made it their mission to spread plant fever. After a 5 1/2-year hiatus following the destruction of Hurricane Andrew, the Steins reopened and expanded their nursery to include interior foliage, spring color, landscape plants, palms and cycads.
See more: Why Florida is Hailed as a Tropical Paradise
Brad Turner, Turner Family Groves
Brad Turner was recognized for his regenerative management practices, which promote soil and tree health, reduce the need for fertilizer and insecticides, and increase water retention. For a century, the Turner family has grown, harvested, packed and shipped citrus in eastern Hillsborough County. More recently, Turner purchased land to trial and research regenerative growing techniques. As a result, none of their fruits are de-greened or have color added, nor do they use insecticides or fungicides.
See more: How A Florida Blueberry Farm Grows with Sustainability in Mind
Eric Hjort, Tater Farms
Eric Hjort, the president and general manager of Tater Farms in Hastings, was chosen for adopting practices that reduce water use by about 50% across 1,500 acres, as well as protecting water quality. The family-owned farm got its start in the 1970s by Polly and the late Frank Johns harvesting potatoes and cabbage. In 2004, the family shifted to turfgrass and now grows more than 4,000 acres of St. Augustine, Bahia, Bermuda and zoysia grasses. Their latest venture is citrus production, which they hope to harvest soon.
See more: East Fork Creek Gardens Cultivates Greens Sustainably Using Aquaponics