June 2024
Agribusiness
TODAY COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
Ryan Duffy
It’s been a banner year for the FGCU Center for Agribusiness. Recently, the Center began its release of a landmark study focused on the future of agriculture in Southwest Florida. The study was the first of its kind in our state: it brought together perspectives from 24 agribusinesses in the region and identified challenges and opportunities for the entire industry. The study was led by NC State agricultural economist Dr. Barry Goodwin and Center faculty and showed the strength of FGCU’s academic thought leadership on issues facing not only agriculture producers, but also consumers and stakeholders throughout the region, Florida and the world. We look forward to sharing more details of the study with the Southwest Florida community later this year. In addition to the Center’s ongoing academic efforts, enrollment in Agribusiness courses continues to climb. Since May 2023, the Center has seen a 40 percent increase in course registrations as well as a 41 percent increase in individual students enrolling in courses. To date (including current registrations for summer and fall 2024 terms), the Center has had: 871 course registrations across all courses since spring 2019, 871 course registrations, representing 494 individual students, 28 Agribusiness minors have been awarded since spring of 2019 (including spring 2024 graduates), and 9 more students have completed the Agribusiness minor but have not yet graduated from FGCU. Overall, the Center continues to attract greater interest from students and the general public alike. Under the leadership of FGCU’s new president, Dr. Aysegul Timur, I am confident the Center will continue to uphold FGCU’s legacy tied to Florida agriculture, which began through a donation of land from Ben Hill Griffin, III. The late agricultural pioneer was a thirdgeneration citrus grower, cattle rancher and successful businessman who left an indelible mark on Florida and Southwest Florida.
With Florida’s population growing rapidly, the need to prepare students for careers in agriculture has never been greater. Farmers are growing more food on less land and doing it more sustainably and with more technology and science than ever before. If we want to continue feeding our nation and world, we must do so with a greater understanding, awareness and appreciation for everything that goes into crop production, harvesting, processing, shipping, transporting and selling. It has been wonderful serving as Chairman of the Center’s Advisory Committee. I’m proud to leave the leadership of the committee under the direction of a longtime friend and colleague, Lindsay Harrington. Lindsay also hails from my hometown region of Charlotte County. I first met Lindsay when I was in middle school while he was serving as my local member of the Florida House of Representatives. Since that time, Lindsay went onto serve as the Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House of Representatives and as a member of the FGCU Board of Trustees. I want to congratulate Lindsay on his new role as Chairman of the Center’s Advisory Committee.
INCOMING CHAIRMAN
Lindsay Harrington INCOMING VICE CHAIRMAN
Greg Adkins
Agribusiness Today | The Newsletter of FGCU's Center for Agribusiness
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