Collaboration is Key for Success

Reflecting upon what has already been a whirlwind year as FNGLA President, it’s easy to see why our association has experienced so much success over what will soon be 75 years. It’s all thanks to the spirit and innovation of our members.

This leadership position, in which I have been so proud to serve, has afforded many opportunities to travel the state representing this great association at industry events. Along the way, it became clear to me that a key component FNGLA members share which has made all the difference is their forward-thinking nature to seek out industry collaboration.

Time and time again this year, I’ve been impressed to see chapter leaders come together to form synergies. From Royal Palm and Manasota chapters co-producing their 2nd Annual Clay Shooting Competition, which drew a record 200 participants and raised more than $53,750 for grants and scholarships, to Miami-Dade Chapter’s close ties to both Florida Farm Bureau and the UF/IFAS Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) where members from both organizations regularly attend each other’s events and serve in advisory positions on each other’s boards.

It’s this innovation in action which paves the way for greater impact and new ideas to flow throughout the industry.

I was also proud to be a part of this type of synergy in action recently at the Dade County Farm Bureau’s 46th Annual BBQ fundraiser. There, several FNGLA members and I enjoyed an exceptional event – and great company: Jorge Abreu, regional director of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), and Dade County Farm Bureau President Heather Moehling.

And speaking of exceptional opportunities for industry collaborations – I hope to see each of you at this year’s 74th Annual FNGLA Convention! There’s no more impactful event than the Annual Convention. It’s where our industry comes together each year to celebrate, collaborate, and gain insight into the heights upon which our members will lead this industry in the coming year. Consider yourself personally invited to attend.

In continuing my intention this year of spotlighting the innovations happening within FNGLA chapters, I’m pleased to highlight the impressive efforts of Royal Palm Chapter President Justin Walsh.

In addition to his presidential role, Justin’s seven years of FNGLA volunteer service have also included an officer appointment on the chapter’s Board of Directors.

Of why he’s chosen to dedicate his time and talents to FNGLA, Justin offers, “The association has always been a big factor in my life. My family has been working in the industry for three generations and I grew up going to FNGLA Royal Palm functions and the Orlando trade show [The Landscape Show] every year. I know how much support the FNGLA has given - not only to our industry, but to our family personally and consider it a privilege to carry on that tradition.”

As for the biggest opportunity he sees ahead for the Royal Palm Chapter, Justin notes, “The recent recognition our sector of Florida agriculture is receiving, under the impactful direction of our CEO, Tal Coley, offers substantial value and renewed excitement for the association as a whole. The visible impacts have created positive momentum for the FNGLA, as seen in the recent passing of the Florida Farm Bill and success in elections of Florida state legislators and candidates who actively support our industry. I believe that these continued accomplishments from the association will help to encourage more players in the industry to join their local chapters as they begin to understand the positive influence the FNGLA has on their organizations.”

A point of Chapter pride, Justin shares that Royal Palm Chapter each year hosts a free Christmas party which is open to all member families and employees where all can enjoy the holiday season together with free food, games and live entertainment.

A fun fact about Justin is he has enjoyed a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing in Florida, and is dedicated to the conservation of those outdoor resources for future generations.

I am deeply grateful to Justin, and to all FNGLA members like him, who are leading with a spirit of innovation and collaboration toward an incredible future for this industry we all cherish.

Best,

Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla
FNGLA 2025-26 President