This year, Dr. Trevor Smith, Director of the Division of Plant Industry for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will serve as the new President of the Southern Plant Board. Elected at the 2019 annual meeting, Dr. Smith will complete a two-year term representing 14 southern states and territories on all domestic and international matters related to plant and apiary pest and disease issues.
“Dr. Trevor Smith is one the foremost leading experts in the plant and apiary field, and his experience, dedication, and leadership make him a natural fit to lead the Southern Plant Board,” stated Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried. “I am proud of Dr. Smith’s accomplishments and know he will help spearhead many great successes in eradicating the pests and diseases that threaten our unique ecosystems.”
In this position, Dr. Smith will also serve on the Board of Directors for the National Plant Board, working on interstate and international trade issues, and policy development related to agricultural pests and disease issues.
“I am honored to be able to use the knowledge and experience I have in Florida, North America’s epicenter for invasive species introductions, to benefit agricultural safeguarding on a global platform,” stated Dr. Trevor Smith. “This is a great opportunity to apply a scientific approach to policymaking while elevating the importance of pest exclusion as it relates to international trade, and rapid response when an unwanted pest or disease is detected.”
In addition, Dr. Smith has also been nominated by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) to serve on the National Invasive Species Council (NISC), co-chaired by the U.S. Secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce, and Interior. If selected for the NISC, Dr. Smith will serve a three-year term on the Invasive Species Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the NISC on preventing, eradicating, and controlling invasive species.
