A career advancing agricultural research and helping South Florida farmers protect the land and water resources has earned an internationally acclaimed University of Florida soil and water scientist the 2026 Agri-Industrial Award from the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce.

Samira Daroub, a professor of soil, water and ecosystem sciences and director of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade, has been recognized for her contributions to the region’s agricultural industry and the farming community she has served for more than two decades.

“Dr. Samira Daroub is truly deserving of this recognition for her hard work, collaborative spirit and commitment to the farming community throughout South Florida,” said Eva Webb, a member of the Belle Glade Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “Her contributions to agriculture are invaluable, and we are so fortunate to have her here at the UF/IFAS EREC in Palm Beach County.”

The Agri-Industrial Award is one of the Chamber’s highest honors in the industry. It acknowledges the contributions of a leader whose work connects scientific discovery with the needs of the agricultural community. The award highlights the impact of Daroub’s research, education and leadership in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), a region central to Florida’s sugarcane, vegetable, rice and sod industries. Her work helps growers improve agricultural productivity while adopting science-based practices that protect soil health and water quality.

For Daroub, that connection has remained central to her career by helping farmers strengthen their operations, protect the region’s soil and water resources, and advance research that supports the long-term success of agriculture in the Glades, statewide and beyond.

“This award is especially meaningful because it comes from the Belle Glade community, which has been at the heart of my work and mission for many years,” said Daroub. “The progress we have made is only possible through strong partnerships with farmers, Extension agents, agencies and community members who are committed to the success of our region.”

Since joining UF/IFAS in 2000, Daroub has built a distinguished career focused on soil fertility, nutrient management, water quality protection and environmental stewardship. Through research and educational programs, she helps farmers put best management practices into action, supporting productive farms while protecting the region’s natural resources.

Her expertise has also made her a trusted voice in addressing complex water quality challenges in the EAA. Her research and collaborations bring university science together with the practical needs of growers, agricultural organizations and natural resource managers.

“Dr. Daroub has been a tremendous leader in agricultural research, particularly in the area of water quality, and has helped our farmers become better stewards of the land we are fortunate to farm,” said Keith Wedgworth, vice president of operations for Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau.

Daroub became EREC director in 2021, becoming the second woman to lead the center in its 100-year history. The center’s campus includes laboratories, greenhouses and a research farm in the heart of the EAA, where scientists investigate challenges affecting the region’s diverse agricultural industries.

Under Daroub’s leadership, EREC has expanded its research portfolio, strengthened engagement with agricultural stakeholders, enhanced its facilities and recruited new scientists. She works with university faculty, government agencies, agricultural organizations and industry leaders to help ensure that research and UF/IFAS Extension programs address the evolving needs of South Florida’s farming communities.

Her influence extends beyond Florida. Daroub’s international work in the Middle East and India has strengthened educational and Extension programs focused on water resources, water quality and food security. She has also mentored graduate students and hosted visiting scientists from around the world, helping prepare the next generation of agricultural researchers and leaders.

Daroub’s own path into soil science began as an undergraduate student in Beirut, Lebanon, where a soil science instructor demonstrated how the discipline could solve practical problems. That experience, along with the mentorship she received throughout her education, helped shape her commitment to research, teaching and supporting future scientists.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a diploma in agricultural engineering, followed by a master’s degree in soil science, from the American University of Beirut. She earned her doctorate in soil chemistry from Michigan State University.

“I am honored to share this recognition with the faculty, staff and students at the EREC who work diligently every day and give back to the community through research, Extension, outreach and volunteer activities,” said Daroub.