Commissioner Nikki Fried: Apply Now for Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award 

Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are accepting nominations for the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.

The award nominating period was announced today in a video on Facebook and Twitter featuring John L. Hoblick, President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

The award recognizes agricultural producers who demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing innovative techniques to safeguard the environment and conserve natural resources. The USDA has projected a “dire climate-change impact on U.S. crops,” and Florida faces some of the nation’s greatest risks of extreme heat, inland and coastal flooding, drought, wildfires, and stronger hurricanes.

Nominations must be submitted to FDACS by Thursday, April 15, 2021. The nomination form may be found here.

“There’s no place on Earth quite like Florida – and that’s because of our beautiful lands, our crystal waters, and our abundant natural treasures. We have nearly ten million acres of farmland, and every acre is an opportunity for land conservation and improved water quality,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried.

“That’s why we’re asking all producers to consider applying for our Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award before April 15. Florida’s environment is changing, so we’re recognizing our farmers and ranchers who are exceptionally committed to environmentally innovative agricultural practices.”

“Florida’s farmers and ranchers are some of the best stewards of our lands, waters, and environment that you’ll find anywhere. Ask any farmer – growing their commodities, raising their cattle, making a living, and supporting their family is all tied to the land, water, and environment,” said John Hoblick, President of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “Now more than ever, it’s up to us farmers to preserve these treasured resources. Together through agriculture, we can protect Florida’s environment for generations to come.”

Awarded Practices: The following environmental practices will be considered in judging nominations for the 2021 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.

Nominations for the award are evaluated by a committee composed of representatives from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 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 Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, and the Florida Forestry Association.

In 2019, Commissioner Fried established an Agricultural Innovation Workgroup with a mission of examining cutting-edge sustainable, innovative agribusiness technologies and practices that can benefit Florida’s environment.