The Agricultural Advisory Committee of the Southwest Florida Water Management District on August 22 passed resolutions honoring the late Edward W. Chance and Dr. James T. Griffiths for their outstanding service in the agricultural community.
Chance, who died in June, served on the District’s Governing Board and as Co-Chair of the Manasota Basin Board from 2000 until 2006. He was a member of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and helped found the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority, serving on the Water Supply Authority Board for 10 years, including five years as its chair.
The resolution recognized Chance as an “exceptional friend to the agricultural community” and noted his passion about the water resource. The resolution called Chance “a leading advocate for the development of alternative water supplies to meet growing public supply demands while preserving the groundwater resources that are critical to the continued viability of agriculture in the region.”
Griffiths, who also died in June, was a member of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and had a career in the citrus industry for more than 50 years. His roles in the citrus industry included researcher, grower, industry representative and supporter of agricultural causes. Griffiths was most recently honored with the 2006 Citrus Achievement Award from the Florida Growers magazine for 60 years of dedicated service, countless hours of hard work and dedication to excellence.
In appreciation of Griffiths, the resolution recognized him as a “dedicated leader in his industry and in his community.” The resolution also noted that Griffiths was “knowledgeable not only of the citrus industry, but also water resource issues and frequently attended water management district and other agency meetings to provide input on topics affecting the state of Florida.”
The Agricultural Advisory Committee is composed of representatives from all aspects of the agricultural industry within the District. The Committee provides important input to District decision making processes and provides vital communication with the agricultural industry.