According to a recent press release, The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is seeking nominations for the 2014 Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award, which recognizes women across the state for their significant contributions to agriculture.
The award, which was started in 1985, has acknowledged thirty women for their handwork that has improved agriculture in Florida. These influential women in agriculture have come from all segments of the industry, including cattle, crops, forestry, equine, agriculture journalism, agriculture education and more.
The 2013 Woman of the Year in Agriculture award in Florida was given to, Lynetta Usher Griner, who was recognized for her roles in forestry, environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation. Griner was also the first woman to be elected as president of the Florida Forest Association.
Florida is not the only state where women have greatly impacted the agriculture industry. A USDA report, “2013 Characteristics of Women Farm Operators and Their Farms,” showed that the amount of farms in the United States being operated by women has almost tripled over the past three decades, from 1982 to 2007. This highlights the potential influence that women can have on the agriculture industry as a whole.
Nominees for the 2014 Woman of the Year in Agriculture award will be appreciated for their dedication to serving the community in some professional or civic way and their unique contribution to bettering the land.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services encourages you to submit nomination for this award. For more information about the program or to download the 2014 nomination application, visit this site.