In 1989, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS) saw the need for an agricultural-based leadership program in Florida and began the process of implementing such a program, the Florida Leadership Program for Agriculture and Natural Resources (FLPANR). FLPANR Class I began in 1992. Over thirty years later this program has graduated eleven classes with approximately 300 alumni. Additionally, the program has engaged in two endowment campaigns to help support future classes of leaders. The original endowment goal was reached by the generosity of private sector Florida agriculture and an aggressive endowment campaign. A large contribution was given as a living tribute to Mr. George Wedgworth, to honor his contributions to Florida agriculture.
The program’s name was changed to the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources (WLIANR) in 2003. The program is sponsored by the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) at the University of Florida and has an academic home in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication. The program has an advisory council made up of alumni, industry officials and university personnel, who assist the director and program staff in keeping the program relevant and advise in program structure and content.
| Dr. Gene Trotter, Founder Florida Leadership Program for Agriculture and Natural Resources/ Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture & Natural Resources Classes 1-5 | Dr. Hannah Carter, Director Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture & Natural Resources Classes 6-10 |
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