Dr. Charles “Chip” F. Hinton was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, and grew up in Pensacola. He attended the University of Florida, obtaining a B.S. and M.S. in agriculture and a Ph.D. in poultry products. Later, while on sabbatical at North Carolina State University, he completed an ABD (all but dissertation) for a Doctor of Education in education administration.
Through his strong leadership on numerous committees and councils for all segments of agriculture, including research, labor, environment and outreach, Dr. Hinton's guidance led to many advances across Florida agriculture.
As Executive Director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Dr. Hinton recognized the need for better varieties and worked with growers and the University of Florida in a public-private partnership to develop new varieties, such as Sweet Charlie, Festival and Radiance. As a result, strawberry production skyrocketed. In the late 1980s about 5,000 acres of strawberries were grown per season generating approximately $50 million. As the new varieties became available, the Florida strawberry industry expanded to over 10,000 acres with a value of more than $300 million.
Dr. Hinton worked with Hillsborough County officials, strawberry and tomato growers and the nursery industry to establish the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center at Balm. He has mentored countless youngsters in 4-H and FFA. He is committed to the future of Florida agriculture and worked with Dr. Gene Trotter at UF/IFAS to establish the Wedgworth Leadership Institute.
Dr. Hinton formed a partnership between Florida Association of Food Banks and Florida fruit and vegetable growers to provide fresh produce to those in need in our state and nation. The program, called “Farmers Feeding Florida,” distributed 1 million pounds of fruit and vegetables in its first year.