Belle Glade man named state’s top crop advisor

Oct. 17, 2013

Gainesville, Fla.—An expert in crop production in the Everglades Agricultural Area has been recognized for his work with a statewide honor. James M. Shine of Belle Glade will receive the 2013 Excellence in Crop Advising Award at Florida Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach on Oct. 24.
Shine, vice president of operations at the Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative, provides advice and technical expertise for planting and cultivation on 70,000 acres in the region. He has completed research on a number of topics important for farm production in the Everglades Agricultural Area, including water quality management, and authored more than 80 scientific articles.
In addition to accolades for his research, Shine has earned much praise for his leadership in scientific associations and other professional organizations. Letters in support of his nomination for the award repeatedly cited his ability to build positive relationships among agricultural researchers, regulatory agencies and growers.
The award is presented annually by Florida Farm Bureau in conjunction with the Florida Certified Crop Advisors’ board of directors.