Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Announcement the opening of the nomination period for the 2022 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.
“Through work in soil and conservation, pesticide and nutrient management, wildlife habitat conservation, and so much more, these significant environmental contributions are the backbone of Florida’s thriving agriculture industry, making a true difference in our state,” said Commissioner Fried. “This award program seeks to recognize the Florida agriculturalists who are at the forefront of developing and adopting environmentally innovative farming practices.
This program has helped to highlight the efforts made by state’s ranchers and growers since 1994. The public recognition of the accomplishments of these award winners highlights Florida agriculture’s commitment to protecting the environment and conserving natural resource while helping to ensure a continuous supply of food, fiber, and other essentials.
Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 15, 2022 to FDACS. The nomination form can be found here[ 
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The following environmental practices will be considered in judging nominations for the 2022 Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award:
- Conservation of wildlife and habitatsProvide a safe and viable habitat for wildlife in an agricultural operation.
- Pesticide/Nutrient Management: Use pesticides/nutrients with care to maximize benefits and minimize potential negative environmental effects.
- Water Quality:Protect or improve the water quality of an agricultural operation or its surroundings.
- Conservation of the soil and waterReduce soil erosion, nutrient depletion and water consumption; increase water recharge.
- Waste Management/Recycling:Reduce waste by recycling agricultural waste products and agricultural by-products on-site.
Nominations can cover any one or all of the listed activities.
To learn more about the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award, click here.
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