JEB S. SMITH

PRESIDENT/CEO, FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION, GAINESVILLE

The Florida Farm Bureau represents the farmers and ranchers that produce over 300 commodities in the Sunshine State. It’s the state’s oldest and largest agricultural organization and has more than 131,000 member families and about 50 employees. In recent years, the organization's advocacy efforts have secured funding for the Rural Family and Lands Protection Act and UF/IFAS research. It has also worked to implement state legislation to protect farms from “overregulation” by municipalities. Smith was elected to serve as president/CEO in October 2021.

EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS, JD), Ambassador Baptist College (attended)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: Tort reform would be a top priority to address and relieve our state’s businesses, including farming and ranching, of the abuse of unfettered, unreasonable litigation.

READING: The Holy Bible is the most prominent, powerful and impactful book ever written and a daily read for me. A Land Remembered, by Patrick D. Smith, is a fictional masterpiece that colorfully takes the reader through the history of Florida.  

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Wilbur Smith, my grandfather, was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Second World War, a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in agricultural economics and a lifelong farmer in Hastings. He was an inspiration. Granddaddy was a good farmer with an attention to detail. He exhibited a strong work ethic, business acumen and a love for family. Although he departed this earth in 2015, he left a legacy worthy of imitation.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Know what you believe and why you believe it. Being principled makes one predictable.