Inaugural Agriculture Advisory Committee Appointed to Support Farming Community

• 24 March 2026
• Category: Agriculture SJC News
• Tags: 2026

The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners voted to appoint seven members to serve on the inaugural St. Johns County Agriculture Advisory Committee at its regular meeting on Tuesday.

The Board established the Agriculture Advisory Committee on November 4, 2025, through Ordinance 2025-42 to provide guidance and recommendations on issues affecting the County’s agricultural community.

“The creation of this committee reflects our commitment to preserving and strengthening agriculture in St. Johns County,” Commissioner Sarah Arnold said. “These members bring real-world experience and a deep understanding of the challenges our farming community faces, and their insight will help guide thoughtful, informed decisions that support our rural heritage and safeguard its future.”

The following individuals were appointed to serve on the committee:

• Jackee Dobish (District 2)
• Bill Hamilton (District 3)
• Frank Johns (District 3)
• Bryan Jones (District 2)
• Charles “Chuck” Owen (District 3)
• Scott Parker (District 2)
• Christine Wilson (District 2)

“This advisory committee will serve as an important bridge between our agricultural community and County leadership,” County Administrator Joy Andrews said. “By bringing producers directly into the conversation, we can ensure our policies and programs are responsive, practical, and aligned with the needs of those working the land every day.”

Committee members must be registered voters in St. Johns County and own or manage a commercial farming operation within unincorporated St. Johns County. Members also bring a range of experience in areas such as farm management, agricultural equipment operation and maintenance, crop production, crop rotation, plant nutrient and pest management, state agricultural policy, and rural watershed and flood zone issues, or rely on agricultural production as their primary source of income.

Each member will typically serve a three-year term; however, to establish staggered terms, three of the initial appointees will serve two-year terms.

The County advertised the vacancies for approximately four months before receiving the seven applications considered by the Board.

The Agriculture Advisory Committee will serve as a resource to the Board, offering insight and recommendations to support and strengthen St. Johns County’s agricultural industry.

“St. Johns County has a vibrant and diverse agricultural community, and this committee gives those voices a dedicated platform,” said Prissy Fletcher, Agricultural Liaison and Grants and Policy Analyst for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. “From water resources to land use and emerging opportunities, their expertise will help us better support local farmers and strengthen the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our County.”

To stay informed of St. Johns County agriculture news, sign up for the brand new Agriculture Newsletter.