November 20, 2000
Crawford Presents Ag-Environmental Awards To Two Farming Operations During Ceremonies In Orlando
ORLANDO — Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford presented awards to two agricultural operations in recognition of their leadership in promoting progressive environmental practices.
The "2000 Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards" were presented by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Martha Roberts during a breakfast ceremony at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s annual convention in Orlando on Friday, November 17. The awards program is now in its seventh 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:
Evans Properties, Inc., located in Vero Beach
Pacific Tomato Growers, Ltd., located in Palmetto
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 two 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 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."
