Developing Florida’s Agricultural Leaders
By Christy Chiarelli
“If not us, then who?”
That’s a question I ask each class of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Wedgworth Leadership Institute as we consider who is responsible for the future success of agriculture in Florida. In a state with more than 300 commodities, complex water issues, multiple points of entry for invasive pests, challenging weather conditions and a rapidly growing population, sustaining a profitable and resilient agricultural industry requires strong leadership. So, who will provide it?
Thankfully, UF/IFAS recognized the need to develop effective agribusiness leaders over 30 years ago and to date has prepared more than 330 professionals to lead one of Florida’s major economic drivers — agriculture. The Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLI) is a two-year program designed to increase knowledge of agriculture and natural resources, improve leadership skills and build a strong network of advocates across Florida.
Travel Time
I’m delighted to congratulate Class XII on their recent graduation from WLI. This class of 29 agribusiness leaders graduated after beginning their journey in November 2023. Together, they traveled more than 25,000 miles, covering Florida, Washington, DC, Washington state, Ghana and Kenya.
They followed water-policy discussions from the headwaters of the Everglades to the Everglades Agricultural Area and worked their way from Sanibel Island up the Caloosahatchee River to Lake Okeechobee to understand the complexities of water use. They learned about rural healthcare in Blountstown and homeland security in Miami. They considered the citrus industry in Central Florida and the timber industry in North Florida, with countless community issue discussions in between.
Perhaps the most impactful time of this two-year experience was visiting Ghana and Kenya in June. Significant differences were seen between those countries and the United States. But Class XII members also witnessed passion and entrepreneurship. They felt a kindred spirit with Ghanaians and Kenyans who love the land just as much as they do.
Efforts and Expectations
WLI is designed to develop leaders personally, expand their global perspectives and enhance their effectiveness back home. While the experiences are life-changing, they don’t come without significant effort. Class members engage in various leadership assessment tools that point out their strengths and weaknesses. Once participants understand their leadership blind spots, they are expected to intentionally work at improving those areas needing growth. Class members also have the burden of 55 days away from their jobs and families with intense seminar days. And lastly, but most importantly, there is tremendous expectation for industry and/or community service upon graduation.
When I look at Florida’s agricultural and natural resources sectors, I am amazed at the efficiency, ingenuity and passion put toward production and conservation. But technological advancement alone isn’t enough to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability. To keep Florida at the forefront, we must continue to develop visionary and strategic leaders who thrive in challenging environments. I’m confident WLI equips those types of leaders for Florida.
Not for Everyone
The program isn’t for everyone, and that’s ok! But for everyone who goes through it, they will never be the same. Just ask an alumnus.
Nominations and applications open in spring 2026 for Class XIII. To be added to the mailing list, visit wedgworthleadership.com or reach out to me at ccw@ufl.edu with any questions.
“If not you, then who?”
Christy Chiarelli is director of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Florida.