October 14, 1999
Crawford To Present Ag-Environmental Awards To Three Farming Operations During Ceremonies In Tampa
TAMPA — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford will present awards to three agricultural operations in recognition of their leadership in promoting progressive environmental practices.
The “1999 Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards” will be presented during a breakfast ceremony at the Florida Farm Bureau’s annual convention in Tampa on Monday, October 18. The awards program is now in its sixth year.
“Over the years, many Florida farmers have — with little fanfare — implemented innovative environmental practices,” Crawford said. “For too long these positive efforts have been overlooked. This award publicly recognizes Florida farmers for their environmental accomplishments, spreads the word about the importance of environmental stewardship, and encourages others to adopt similar practices.”
Crawford said that modern farmers are increasingly sensitive to the environmental consequences of their practices and have made major strides in preserving the earth’s natural resources while harvesting its bounty to feed the nation and the world.
This year’s winners are:
Suwannee Farms, located in O’Brien
Two Rivers Ranch, Inc., located
in Thonotosassa
Lykes Bros. Inc., located in Okeechobee
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 Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Florida Forestry Association.
“The winners should take pride in the fact that they were chosen not solely by a governmental committee, but by their peers as well,” Crawford said. “They have been recognized by their colleagues and other highly respected groups as representing the pinnacle of environmental stewardship, setting worthy examples for others to follow.”
