Florida Commissioner Wilton Simpson names 2026 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award winner for long-standing work in land and water conservation

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida agriculture leaders gathered attention this week as state officials announced a new recipient of one of the state’s long-running environmental honors, highlighting decades of work in water policy, land conservation, and agricultural sustainability.

Wilton Simpson announced that Ernie Barnett has been selected as the 2026 winner of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award, a recognition that has been presented every year since 1994.

The award is designed to spotlight individuals in agriculture who combine productive farming and ranching practices with strong environmental stewardship. According to state officials, recipients are typically those who have shown long-term commitment to protecting Florida’s natural resources while also supporting the agricultural industry that plays a central role in the state’s economy.

Barnett’s selection reflects more than three decades of work in water management, environmental policy, and agricultural advocacy. He currently serves as executive director of the Florida Land Council, where he focuses on balancing land use, conservation efforts, and agricultural needs across the state.

In announcing the award, Commissioner Simpson emphasized Barnett’s long-standing involvement in some of Florida’s most complex environmental challenges.

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“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,” said Commissioner 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. It is my honor to recognize him as this year’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award recipient.”

Barnett’s career includes direct involvement in several major environmental and water policy efforts in Florida. He contributed to key legislative and policy developments such as the Lake Okeechobee Protection Act and the Everglades Restoration Investment Act. He also played a role in shaping federal-level water policy through the Water Resources Development Act of 2000.

For more than twenty years, Barnett has worked as a policy and technical leader on Everglades restoration efforts, one of the most complex and long-term environmental restoration projects in the United States. His work has often focused on ensuring that environmental restoration efforts align with the realities of agricultural production and land use.

Earlier in his career, Barnett also directed the Ecosystem Management program at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, a program that received national recognition for its approach to environmental planning and resource management. His work in that role helped shape how state agencies approach ecosystem protection and land conservation.

In addition, Barnett was honored in 2001 with the National Wetlands Award for Outstanding Wetlands Program Development, reflecting his influence in shaping wetland protection strategies that continue to impact environmental policy today.

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Officials note that Barnett’s leadership style has consistently centered on science-based decision-making and collaboration between environmental stakeholders and the agricultural community. Through his work with the Florida Land Council, he has supported policies aimed at ensuring farming practices remain both productive and environmentally sustainable.

State leaders say the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award is meant to recognize exactly this type of balanced approach, where environmental protection and agricultural success are not seen as opposing goals, but as interconnected priorities.

Barnett will be formally recognized by Commissioner Simpson later this year at the Fresh From Florida Breakfast, scheduled to take place in October during the Florida Farm Bureau annual meeting. The event traditionally brings together leaders from agriculture, policy, and environmental sectors to highlight achievements in the industry.

The award itself has been presented annually for more than 30 years and continues to highlight individuals who have made measurable contributions to protecting Florida’s land and water resources while supporting the state’s agricultural backbone.

For more information about the award and previous recipients, officials direct the public to the FDACS Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award webpage. Additional details about state agriculture programs can be found through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at FDACS.gov.

Barnett’s selection marks another chapter in Florida’s ongoing effort to balance growth, agriculture, and environmental protection — a challenge that continues to shape the state’s future.