Sept. 14, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Jeffrey Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John as 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductees. Since 1980, the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame has honored men and women who have made lasting contributions to agriculture in this state and to the mentoring of our youth, who represent the future of agriculture in Florida. The induction ceremony will be held at the Florida State Fair’s Agricultural Hall of Fame Banquet on February 9, 2027.
“Florida agriculture not only puts food on our tables, but it sustains communities in every corner of the state and is the backbone of our economy, supporting hundreds of billions of dollars in annual economic impact. Florida agriculture’s success is due to the old-fashioned hard work, vision, and leadership of people like Jeffrey Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Each of these Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees has strengthened and grown Florida agriculture through innovation, entrepreneurship, service, and supporting the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and growers.”
Jeffrey Dewey “Jeff” Gargiulo has spent more than four decades helping shape Florida agriculture and the national produce industry through leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Born in Fort Myers in 1952, Jeff was introduced to agriculture at an early age after his family relocated to Naples, where his father, Dewey Gargiulo, established what would become Naples Tomato Growers. Dewey’s contributions to the fruit and vegetable industry helped advance tomato production and packaging practices that became industry standards.
After earning a marketing degree from Florida State University, Jeff joined the family business and later co-founded Gargiulo Inc. with his brother, John, in 1978. As CEO, he led the company’s growth from a Florida-based tomato operation into the nation’s leading fresh tomato producer. Jeff farmed throughout the state of Florida and beyond, including Collier, Lee, Hendry, Manatee, Hillsborough and Gadsden counties. Under his leadership, the company expanded into strawberries, raspberries, and imported produce, with operations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Chile. At one point, Jeff oversaw one of the largest tomato-growing operations in the world.
Jeff’s influence extended well beyond his own business. He served as chairman of the Produce Marketing Association, president of Florida Tomato Growers and president of Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. He also represented the produce industry during international trade discussions, including negotiations related to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
Following the sale of Gargiulo Inc. to Monsanto in 1997, he served as president of its produce division. He later became president and CEO of Sunkist Growers, where he helped expand global sourcing operations. In the early 2000s, Jeff and his wife, Valerie, established Gargiulo Vineyards in Napa Valley, creating another successful agricultural enterprise rooted in production, quality and stewardship of the land.
In addition to his business accomplishments, Jeff has made a lasting impact through philanthropy and community leadership. He co-founded the Naples Children & Education Foundation and the Naples Winter Wine Festival, which have generated significant support for children’s education and healthcare programs in Collier County. He continues to serve as chairman emeritus of the foundation.
Throughout his career, Jeff has demonstrated a commitment to advancing agriculture, supporting rural communities and creating opportunities for future generations. From Florida’s tomato fields to leadership roles in the global produce industry, his contributions have left a lasting mark on agriculture in Florida and beyond.
Lynetta and Ken Griner’s planned career paths took a hard right turn in 1989 with the tragic death of her brother, Tommy Usher. Lynetta left a successful law career, and Ken left a thriving car dealership to focus on preserving her family’s multigenerational agricultural operation, Usher Land & Timber. More than three decades later, they have built a life and a legacy deeply woven into Florida agriculture.
A member of the Florida Forestry Association since 1988, Lynetta became its first female president in 2012. She has remained a leader within the Association ever since, including continued service on its Executive Committee. Her public service has included 14 years on the Suwannee River Water Management District Governing Board, including 10 years as chair, service on the Florida Forever Advisory Council, and more than a decade on the Acquisition & Restoration Council and Florida Forestry Council. She also served on The Nature Conservancy’s Florida Board of Directors, co-chairs the Florida Smart Agricultural Work Group, and is a respected supporter of the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
Ken’s leadership in the cattle industry began on the ranch, where he improved herd genetics through superior seedstock, artificial insemination, and performance-based selection. His work consistently produced cattle meeting premium market standards and led to leadership roles throughout the industry. He served as president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, chair of the Florida Cattle Enhancement Board, and a board member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He was a founding member and later chair of U.S. CattleTrace and served on the national Beef Industry Long Range Plan Task Force, helping shape producer-led approaches to livestock traceability.
The Griners enjoy tackling challenges together, such as the launch of the Timber Harvesting Equipment Program at the University of Central Florida’s Jack Wilkinson Campus in Chiefland. They have also opened their operation to students, educators, policymakers, environmental organizations, and media, offering firsthand views of responsible forestry and cattle production. They also host the annual Ranch Run at the U for the Suwannee Valley Rotary, allowing the public to experience firsthand the beauty of their working agricultural lands.
Their advocacy has carried them from Chiefland to Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. Lynetta participated in a 2017 White House farmers’ roundtable, where she represented Florida’s timber industry and cattle producers. Ken has represented Florida cattle producers in national discussions on industry policy. Together, they have consistently advocated for working lands, property rights, and conservation approaches that recognize productive agriculture as part of Florida’s natural-resource future.
The couple also continues to honor her brother’s legacy through the Tommy Usher Memorial Log A Load Golf Tournament, which has raised more than $1 million to improve children’s health through treatment, education and research at Children’s Miracle Network® (CMN) and local children’s hospitals.
From his beginnings on a dairy farm in Western New York to his decades of transformative work in Florida, Ron built more than successful dairy operations – he built opportunities for people, strengthened rural communities, and helped shape the future of the dairy industry.
After moving his herd to Florida in 1986 and establishing Levy County Dairy, Ron became a pioneer in advanced dairy practices, embracing advancements in nutrition, breeding, housing, animal care, and land stewardship. He later founded Alliance Dairies, which grew into one of the region’s leading dairy enterprises and reflected his belief that agriculture succeeds when people are trusted, mentored, and empowered.
Ron’s impact extends far beyond the farm gate. He has supported environmental conservation, cooperative leadership, education, entrepreneurship, youth agriculture, hospice care, and international dairy development. His generosity has helped train emerging agricultural leaders, launch businesses, strengthen local institutions, and create lasting opportunities in Florida and abroad.
Known for his faith, humility, integrity, and devotion to family, Ron represents the very best of Florida agriculture. His induction into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame honors not only the dairies he built and the innovations he championed, but also the countless lives he has lifted through his leadership, mentorship, and generosity.
More information on the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame and the banquet can be found at FloridaAgHallofFame.org.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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