Florida Farm Bureau accepting nominations for Certified Crop Advisor Award

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF) is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Excellence in Crop Advising Award. The Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida CCA Program will recognize one outstanding Florida CCA who has provided superior service and advice for farmers in nutrient management, soil and water management, integrated pest management and crop production. The winner will receive a plaque, recognition in publications, and a cash award of $500. The award will be presented to the winner at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting Oct. 28-30 at the Hilton Oceanfront Resort in Daytona Beach.

“The purpose of this award is to increase the awareness that farmers and their agronomic advisers strive to do their best in not only making agronomic, but economic and environmentally sound cropping decisions,” said Mary Hartney, president of the Florida Fertilizer & Agrichemical Association, a supporter of the Florida CCA Program. “ With increasing farm size, complexity of management options and regulatory constraints, farmers are relying more and more on the advice of CCAs,” she said.

In order to qualify, nominees must be CCAs in good standing. A current Florida Farm Bureau member or a county Farm Bureau may nominate an individual for this award. Nominators must have first-hand experience or knowledge of the quality of work that the CCA has performed. Nominations must be submitted to Florida Farm Bureau by Sept. 11, 2009.

To obtain a nomination form and instructions, phone Christine Miller, Florida Farm Bureau, (352) 374-1535, or send an email request to Christine.miller@ffbf.org.