Be the Voice. Live the Legacy: County President Profile

FloridAgriculture eNewsletter September 2020

Glen Whitworth, Jr., President
Palm Beach County Farm Bureau

Palm Beach County Farm Bureau President Glen Whitworth, Jr., has deep roots in South Florida agriculture. The seventh generation Floridian and a third generation farmer has a goal to help change the modern food system into something that is much more logical, sustainable and educational for the consumer.

Whitworth’s grandfather began farming in the Fort Lauderdale area and gradually moved northwest with the county line with time, finally settling west of Lake Worth in Palm Beach County.

Whitworth Farms grew a variety of nightshade vegetables like green bell peppers, long hots, serranos, poblanos, finger hots, jalapenos and cubanelles, along with seasonal summer vegetables like tomatoes, squash, zucchini, watermelon and eggplant.

“I have always been involved in produce,” he said. “I started working in the fields when I was young-and all through high school.” After receiving a film degree, Whitworth returned to the family farm for work where he served in nearly every position from shipper and receiver to sales.

Unfortunately, after 70 years in business, Whitworth Farms was forced to close shop due to the effects of COVID-19, unfair trade practices and negations with Mexico and chain store abuse.

“It became impossible for my family to make a profit,” he said. “Our farm was once yielding an average of 44,000 pounds of produce per acre off of a 640-acre radius and was able to feed an entire community in just one day.”

Today, the Whitworth family leases their land to other local farmers with hopes of being able to make a profit. Whitworth lives in Lake Worth and works remotely for Joy 4 Greens, a new startup company out of North Florida that works to follow the American produce cycle as it moves through the nation.

With a wedding on hold due to COVID-19, Whitworth and his fiancé, Nicole, had to re-schedule their special day for the near future.

Whitworth has been involved in Palm Beach County Farm Bureau for five years, serving two years as president. He has previously served as a member of the Florida Farm Bureau Trade Advisory Committee.

One of his favorite agricultural events is the Sunday Feed Store exhibit at the South Florida Fair. “The program has been instrumental to Palm Beach County because it attracts people from very rural areas that come to the fair and meet local farmers that provide their food,” Whitworth said.

“The Feed Store teaches visitors about agricultural commodities in Palm Beach County from exotic fruits and veggies to honey. It offers an insight into how livestock is taken care of, and the difference between milking cows and beef cows,” he said.

At the back end of the store, you can buy produce, farmer’s market style. All proceeds go towards area youth scholarships. “It’s great for kids of all ages,” he said. “They love to meet farmers in the area and are fascinated by the fun facts!”

Favorite recipe:

Egg Stuffed Poblano Pepper

Ingredients:

  • 1 Poblano pepper
  • 1 egg
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Cheese and salsa optional

Directions:
Cut the pepper in half lengthwise, clear out seeds, rub with olive oil, salt and pepper. Place oven on broil low, crack an egg into the pepper. Bake in a foil lined baking sheet for 5-8 minutes for a runny egg. If you prefer scrambled eggs, bake for 12 minutes. Add salsa and cheese to spice it up.  A great healthy meal or snack!