Jack Payne, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) senior vice president of agriculture and natural resources, earned a spot on this year’s Florida 500, Florida Trend Magazine’s second annual list of the state’s most influential business leaders. Eighteen agricultural sector leaders made the list.
“My recognition is really a reflection of UF/IFAS as a whole,” Payne said. “The research and innovation coming out of UF/IFAS influences every industry within Florida’s agricultural and natural resources sector. It’s incredible to realize the difference our leaders make throughout the state.”
Payne’s profile in the magazine highlights the work of plant breeders to develop new varieties to minimize the usage of fertilizer and water, the formation of a task force on algal blooms, and the creation of a working group of agricultural leaders to address adaptation to climate change.
The Florida 500 selections, decided by Florida Trend’s editorial department, represent 15 categories of industry in the state: agriculture, arts and entertainment, education, energy, finance and insurance, hospitality/tourism, information/tech/media, law, life sciences, manufacturing, philanthropy/non-profits, professional services, real estate, retail/wholesale, and transportation.