On Feb. 11, 2026, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of the nomination process for the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award and the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award.
The awards aim to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Florida’s agricultural sector. The Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award annually honors women for their achievements in agriculture, while the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award spotlights growers and ranchers with environmentally innovative practices. Nominations for both awards must be submitted by March 1, 2026. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, these recognitions are part of ongoing efforts to highlight leadership and stewardship within the industry.
“Florida agriculture continues to lead because of the dedicated men and women who combine hard work, innovation, and stewardship every day,” Simpson said. “These awards recognize women whose leadership strengthens our agricultural communities and growers and ranchers who prove that conservation and production go hand in hand. I encourage Floridians to nominate those who represent the very best of Florida agriculture.”
The Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award has been presented since 1985, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services along with the Florida State Fair Authority. Recipients come from various sectors including cattle, vegetables, timber, citrus, row crops, equine, horticulture, tropical fruits, sugarcane, dairy, agricultural journalism, and education. The award is presented during the Florida State Fair.
The Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award has been given annually since 1994 to highlight environmentally responsible farming practices across different areas of Florida’s agricultural industry.
More information about nomination forms for both awards can be found on the department’s website at FDACS.gov.
