Belle Glade, Fla. — Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida (Cooperative) announces the retirement of two long-standing members of its Board of Directors, John L. Hundley and William R. “Bill” Kennedy, whose combined service spans seven decades of leadership, stewardship, and unwavering commitment to the Cooperative and its Member-Growers. The Cooperative also welcomes newly elected board members Benjamin “Ben” Boynton and Cooper Hopkins.
Mr. Hundley retires following an extraordinary 40 years of service on the Board of Directors, first elected in 1986. During his tenure, he held numerous leadership roles, including Chairman of the Board from 2013 to 2020, as well as Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer. His decades of service reflect a deep commitment to advancing the Cooperative’s vision and strengthening its foundation for future generations. Hundley Farms, Inc. became a member of the Cooperative in 1977.
Mr. Kennedy concludes his service after 30 years on the Board of Directors, having joined in 1996. Throughout his tenure, he provided steady leadership and valuable insight that helped guide the Cooperative through periods of important growth and change. Mr. Kennedy has been a Member-Grower since Kennedy Farms, Inc. joined the Cooperative in 1983, followed by William Kennedy Farm, Inc. in 1995.
“John and Bill represent the very best of our Cooperative—dedicated leaders, respected farmers, and stewards of an organization built on the strength of its Member-Growers,” said Matt Hoffman, President and CEO of the Cooperative.
Chairman of the Board Robert Underbrink said, “Their decades of service have played a vital role in shaping the Cooperative into the strong and successful company it is today. We are deeply grateful for their leadership and lasting contributions.”
As the Cooperative honors these remarkable legacies, it is also pleased to announce the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: Benjamin “Ben” Boynton and Cooper Hopkins.
Mr. Boynton brings a strong blend of agricultural heritage and business expertise to the Board. A grandson of a founding board member, Joe Tom Boynton, he has deep roots in the Cooperative and the regional agricultural community. Professionally, he co-founded a successful financial services firm and currently serves in leadership roles with Wedgworth Farms, Inc. and other community organizations, reflecting his commitment to both agriculture and regional economic development.
Mr. Hopkins represents the next generation of growers and Cooperative leadership. A fourth-generation farmer and grandson of Mr. Hundley, he has been actively involved in farming operations from a young age and now works full-time with Hundley Farms, Inc. His experience in vegetable production, coupled with his involvement in industry leadership programs and organizations, positions him to bring a fresh perspective and continued passion for agriculture to the Board.
“These new directors embody both the heritage and the future of our Cooperative,” said Mr. Hoffman. “We are confident that Ben and Cooper will build upon the strong foundation laid by those before them and help lead the Cooperative forward in delivering the greatest value to our Member-Growers.”
Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida remains committed to strong governance, thoughtful leadership, and a continued focus on its vision: to deliver the greatest value to our Member-Growers and employees by being industry leaders in all we do.
About Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida
Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida is an agricultural cooperative comprised of Member-Growers farming approximately 80,000 acres of sugarcane in South Florida. Together, they produce, harvest, and process sugarcane into high-quality raw sugar, supporting both domestic and global markets.