WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN AGRICULTURE AWARD.

Women have played a crucial role in the history of agriculture in Florida. Not only did they raise the children, maintain the home, care for the sick and injured, and provide grounding for the family, they toiled alongside their husband in the fields and pastures. They were the epitome of perseverance, strength, resolve and dignity.


Since 1985, women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture have been honored with the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award. This award, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, is presented to the recipient during the Florida State Fair in Tampa.


Recipients of the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award have come from all parts of the industry, including cattle, vegetables, timber, citrus, row crops, equine, horticulture, tropical fruits, sugar cane, dairy, agricultural journalism, and agricultural education and outreach.


In 2001 the award program was enhanced to help heighten awareness about the women who have helped make Florida agriculture into the important industry that it is today. Since then, a documentary video about each new recipient has been shown during the award ceremony, and a booklet outlining her contributions to agriculture distributed to those in attendance. SOURCE- ARCHIVE OF WOMAN OF THE YEAR IN AGRICULTURE AWARD BOOKLET.