Ashley Hunter
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Florida is full of hard-working farmers who contribute to the state's agricultural and environmental innovations.
Whether in Florida's iconic citrus production, tending to fields of cotton or raising cattle on the state's ranch lands, farmers and ranchers deserve recognition, and the State of Florida's Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award is currently accepting nominations.
Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are accepting nominations for the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award, which has been presented annually since 1994 to recognize the state's environmentally innovative growers and ranchers.
“The commitment of Florida’s farmers and ranchers to preserve our state’s precious natural resources ensures that our environmental and agricultural roots will thrive for future generations,” said Commissioner Fried. “I encourage everyone to nominate an agricultural innovator or leader in your community whose environmental contributions are making a true difference in Florida.”
This award will recognition growers and ranchers in the State of Florida who have demonstrated leadership in their communities and industry by developing or implementing techniques that protect Florida's environment and conserve natural resources.
Nominations will be judged by a committee of representatives from the department of agriculture, as well as the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Forestry Association, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Dairy Association and the Nature Conservancy, amongst other state and private agriculture-minded organizations.
The following environmental practices will be considered in judging nominations for the 2020 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award:
Wildlife protection and Habitat Conservation: Provide a safe, vibrant habitat for wildlife within an agricultural operation.
Pesticide/Nutrient Management: Use pesticides/nutrients responsibly, maximizing benefits and minimizing potential adverse environmental effects.
Water Quality: Preserve or improve water quality within or adjacent to an agricultural operation.
Soil and Water Conservation: Reduce soil erosion, nutrient depletion and water consumption, and enhance water recharge.
Waste Management/Recycling: Reduce waste by recycling agricultural by-products and waste products on site.
Those who choose to nominate a farmer or rancher will need to be prepared to include a detailed description on the ranch or farm's program and enterprise, as well as how the nominee cultures a good agricultural and environmental mindset.
The nomination form must also include a photo of the nominee, any newspaper articles or other supporting material related to the farmer/rancher and their programs, and three letters of recommendation from other growers, local government officials, or those who are familiar with the farmer/rancher's program.
Nominations must be submitted to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
For more information about the award and submission rules, visit
forms.freshfromflorida. com/01795.pdf.
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