Who Are Florida’s Latest Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award Winners?

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried has announced the latest winners for its Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.

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Presented since 1994 by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the award recognizes agricultural producers who demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources.

For 2021, the winners are:

Brad Turner with Turner Family Groves, LLC in Lithia

Turner is being recognized for his commitment to promoting soil and tree health through the implementation of regenerative management practices, reducing the need for fertilizer and insecticides, and increasing water retention.


Eric Hjort with Tater Farms in Hastings

Hjort is being recognized for his focus on adopting innovative practices to protect water quality and reduce water use by about 50% across 1,500 acres.

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Sandy Stein with The Jungle Nursery in Homestead

Stein is being recognized for his innovative approach to addressing pest risks to the nursery’s plants by utilizing beneficial insects to control those that would be destructive, opting for biocontrol rather than chemical treatments.


According to FDACS, the following environmental practices were considered in judging nominations for the 2021 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award:

  • Wildlife protection and Habitat Conservation: Provide a safe, vibrant habitat for wildlife within an agricultural operation.
  • Pesticide/Nutrient Management: Use pesticides/nutrients responsibly, maximizing benefits and minimizing potential adverse environmental effects.
  • Water Quality: Preserve or improve water quality within or adjacent to an agricultural operation.
  • Soil and Water Conservation: Reduce soil erosion, nutrient depletion and water consumption, and enhance water recharge.
  • Waste Management/Recycling: Reduce waste by recycling agricultural by-products and waste products on site.

Nominations for the award are evaluated by a committee composed of representatives from FDACS, The Nature Conservancy, the state’s water management districts, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Dairy Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and the Florida Forestry Association.

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