District names Bishop its inaugural ‘Partner of the Year’ award winner

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MARIANNA – Jackson County farmer Craig Bishop was named the inaugural winner of the “Partner of the Year” award on Thursday by the Governing Board of the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

The award will be presented annually to recognize individuals or groups who work with the District to make significant contributions toward the protection of the natural resources in northwest Florida.

Bishop, who owns and operates Bishop Farms, has partnered with the District in a variety of programs and projects focused on improving water quality and reducing water-use demands within the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“In addition to being a well-respected farmer and member of our community, Craig exemplifies the commitment to water resource stewardship that Governor Scott and our District look for in its partners,” Governing Board member John Alter said.

Bishop Farms first enrolled in the District’s Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share program in 2013 by retrofitting or modifying the equipment he uses on his farms to reduce his usage of water. The upgraded equipment also reduced the amount of fertilizer used on his acreage.

Bishop Farms has continued participating in the BMP Cost-Share program each year since 2013. Last year, Bishop Farms became one of the first participants in the new Grass-Based Rotation program designed to further reduce the amount of fertilizers used in the Jackson Blue Spring basin.

“Mr. Bishop has embraced the use of new technologies and farming practices to not only become a more productive producer but also to become an even better steward of the water resources in Jackson County,” said Brett Cyphers, Executive Director of the Northwest Florida Water Management District. “He has been an eager participant in the District’s efforts to improve water quality in Jackson County and his leadership has encouraged others to take part in our programs.”

Bishop was presented with a “Partner of the Year” plaque and a permanent nameplate memorializing his selection as the 2018 winner on a trophy housed at the Northwest Florida Water Management District’s headquarters.