Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced Ernie Barnett as this year’s recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership award. Presented annually since 1994, this award highlights “environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.”
Commissioner Simpson said, “Ernie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida’s toughest land and water issues, and his impact speaks for itself. Whether it’s his work on Everglades restoration or his service supporting producers across the state, Ernie has always taken a practical approach that benefits both our natural resources and Florida agriculture. It is my honor to recognize him as this year’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recipient.”
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, “Ernie Barnett currently serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Land Council. Barnett has extensive experience in water resource management and public service, contributing to landmark environmental laws including the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act, the Everglades Restoration Investment Act, and the Water Resources Development Act of 2000. He has served as a policy and technical leader in Everglades restoration for more than two decades and directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Ecosystem Management program, which received national recognition.”
The award will be presented during the Fresh From Florida Breakfast in October at the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.