Woman Of The Year In Agriculture Award Nomination Deadline Nov. 1

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2008 Woman of the Year in Agriculture award. The award, now in its 24nd year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

"This award spotlights the vital role of women in Florida agriculture and serves to encourage other women to get involved in the business," Bronson said. "Many women have made significant contributions over the years in developing and sustaining this important industry, which has an overall economic impact estimated at more than $100 billion annually."

Those nominated for the award will be judged by a panel familiar with Florida agriculture. The award will be presented in February at the opening-day luncheon of the 2009 Florida State Fair in Tampa.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which sponsors the event, has sent nomination forms to agricultural organizations around the state. The deadline for submitting nominations to the department is Nov. 1. Nominations remain active for two years; after that time they must be resubmitted in order to be considered.

For more information about the "Woman of the Year in Agriculture" award including screening criteria and biographies of previous winners, or to obtain nomination forms, call Richard Gunnels at 850-488-3022 or visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/agwoman/index.htm.