Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award. The award has been presented annually since 1994 to environmentally innovative growers, ranchers and others committed to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources.
“Ernie Barnett has spent more than 35 years in the trenches working on Florida’s toughest land and water issues,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “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.”
Barnett has extensive experience in water resource management and public service. He has contributed to landmark environmental laws including the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act, the Everglades Restoration Investment Act and the Water Resources Development Act of 2000.
Barnett has served as a policy and technical leader in Everglades restoration for more than two decades. He directed the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Ecosystem Management program, which received national recognition.
Barnett was also recognized with the 2001 National Wetlands award for outstanding wetlands program development.
Through his service on the Florida Land Council, Barnett has supported Florida’s agricultural producers by advancing science-based policies that ensure agricultural practices remain sustainable and beneficial to the state’s natural resources.
Simpson will recognize Barnett at the Fresh From Florida Breakfast in October at the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting.
Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award web page for more information about the award and its recipients. Past winners include citrus firms Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery in 2023 and The Growers of Peace River in 2022.
Source: FDACS
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