Nominations open for agriculture awards

BY LESLIE LAKE SUN CORRESPONDENT | llake@amisun.com

MANATEE COUNTY – Nominations are open for people who have enhanced the agriculture industry in Manatee County.

Every year Manatee County Farm-City Week recognizes two people who have made significant contributions to the agriculture community with the Agriculturalist of the Year and Agriculture Hall of Fame awards, according to a press release by Mary Lawrence of the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service.

Those awarded the distinctions have contributed through their farm or ranch, representing the agricultural industry, serving as agriculture consultants or agricultural educators, or by being involved in the agriculture sector. Those in the commercial fishing industry qualify for nominations.

The Agriculturalist of the Year must be a current living member of our community and will be honored during the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton Farm-City Week Luncheon. Nominees for the Agriculture Hall of Fame may be living or deceased and will be honored at the Farm-City Week Hall of Fame Luncheon.

Photos of both recipients will be placed in the Manatee County Agricultural Museum and Hall of Fame in Palmetto.

Nominations must be submitted by close of business on Aug. 31.

Nomination forms and award guidelines are available at https://adobe.ly/4740Fao or by stopping by the Manatee County Extension Office at 1303 17th St. W., Palmetto.

Farm City Week is Nov. 14-22. For a full schedule of agricultural awareness events happening during this annual affair, visit http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu or call 941- 722-4524.