Commissioner's Agricultural Environmental Leadership Awards Program
The Agricultural Environmental Leadership Awards Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, was created in 1994. The purpose of the award is to publicly recognize Florida agricultural enterprises that demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative and progressive techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources. Each year, applicants for the awards are screened by a committee comprised of scientific and technical experts with the Department. From the finalists, winners are selected by a committee made up of representatives from The Nature Conservancy, the State's Water Management Districts, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen's Association, the Florida Dairy Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, the State's Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association, and the Florida Forestry Association. Awards are presented to the winners by the Florida Agriculture Commissioner at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation's Fall Annual Meeting. During the ceremony, a videotape highlighting the accomplishments of the winner(s) is shown. These videotapes are distributed to news organizations, legislators and other interested organizations.
For more information please send e-mail to Stacey Reese.