Byrnes Farms, Inc., Putnam County
Daniel and Bonnies Byrnes own and operate Byrnes Farms, Inc. in Putnam and St. Johns Counties. The farm originated in 1950, but was not incorporated until 1980. The farm primarily produces potatoes, cabbage, and broccoli. Byrnes Farms, Inc. is a family-run business with all members of the family having an active role in the prosperity of the farm. Byrnes Farms, Inc. has implemented BMPs for more than 10 years. BMPs are a set of guidelines that advise producers on how to manage the water, nutrient, and pesticides they are using to reduce agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources. Some BMPs include underground tile irrigation system, ground water observation wells, soil moisture probe, fertilizer banding machine, subsurface drip irrigation system, and a GPS guided tractor. These practices ensure that their land will remain productive and viable for future generations. Byrnes is involved in the community as a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, is the former president and director of North Florida Growers Exchange, as well as the former director of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. When asked why he thinks it is important to protect our environment, Byrnes responded, “The land and environment are a gift from our creator, and while I believe we should worship the creator and not the creation, I still think we should be responsible and exercise good stewardship of this gift.” Byrnes also enjoys farming because of how modern agriculture is able to supply us an ample supply of nutritious and affordable food.
