October 4, 2007
Bronson To Present Environmental Leadership Awards In Daytona Beach
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will present awards to four agricultural operations in recognition of their leadership in promoting progressive environmental practices.
The 2007 Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards will be presented during the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in Daytona Beach on Friday, October 12. The awards program is now in its 14th year and has recognized a total of 45 winners.
“The Ag-Environmental Leadership Award program spotlights the environmentally innovative farming practices of our state’s growers and ranchers,” Bronson said. “Nominees for the awards come from different parts of Florida’s agricultural industry, but they all share a commitment to protect and preserve Florida’s resources while continuing to provide agricultural products for our people.”
This year’s winners are:
-- Butler Oaks Farm, in Lorida
-- Gwinn Brothers Farm, in McAlpin
-- Buck Island Ranch, in Lake Placid
-- Fraleigh Nursery Inc., in Madison
Nominations for the awards were received earlier this year by a screening committee composed of scientific and technical experts with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which selected the finalists. The three winners were then selected from the group of finalists by a selection 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 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, the Florida Forestry Association, and the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association.
Contact information: The 2007 Agricultural-Environmental Awards will be presented during a breakfast ceremony held during the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting.
Date: Friday, October 12, 2007
Time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: Daytona Beach Hilton, Daytona Beach
Contact: Florida Farm Bureau, (352) 374-1535
Video available: A DVD outlining the accomplishments of the four winners is available from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Television news organizations interested in obtaining a copy should contact Walt Land or Gary Seamans at (850) 487-8000.
For a list of previous winners, visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/agenvironmental/index.htm
For more information:
Terence McElroy
(850) 488-3022
mcelrot@doacs.state.fl.us
