John L. Hoblick is a third-generation farmer and owner of Hoblick Greens in DeLeon Springs. He is a proud grower member of FernTrust cooperative since 1996. As a champion for agriculture, he advocates for the livelihood and profitability of farmers and ranchers statewide. His love for farming led him to become the president of Florida’s largest agricultural organization, representing more than 131,000 member families.
As a leader within the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Mr. Hoblick tirelessly advocated for a wide range of issues, including trade, labor, rural broadband access, animal welfare, farm policies, food safety, energy, environmental regulations, water quality, and water availability. Mr. Hoblick recognized the global impact of regulatory decisions on the agricultural sector, and prioritized engagement with policymakers.
During his tenure as president of Florida Farm Bureau, Mr. Hoblick helped shape significant state legislation that directly benefited Florida farmers and ranchers. These legislative accomplishments encompassed strengthening the Right to Farm statute, expanding tax exemptions for Florida’s agricultural community, establishing agricultural certifications to prepare students for careers in agriculture, and advocating for funding for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Fresh From Florida program.
Mr. Hoblick’s contributions extended to the national stage, where he served on various boards supporting agriculture, including the Southern Farm Bureau Casualty Company board, American Farm Bureau Federation board, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Trade Advisory Committee. He garnered recognition as the 1998 Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Florida Farmer of the Year, graduated from the UF/IFAS Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources, and was bestowed an Honorary State Degree from Florida FFA & Honorary American Degree from National FFA.
A significant source of pride for Mr. Hoblick is his support and enthusiasm for the future leaders of Florida agriculture. He is a living testament to the Blue Jacket worn by FFA members, believing steadfastly “in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words, but of deeds.”
Beyond his agricultural accomplishments, Mr. Hoblick is a beacon in his community, receiving the 2015 Citizen of the Year award from the Volusia County Association for Responsible Development and serving as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He is an alumnus of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, where he still mentors students.