October 30, 2002
Bronson Presents Ag-Environmental Leadership Awards
DAYTONA BEACH -- Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson presented awards to three agricultural operations in recognition of their leadership in promoting progressive environmental practices.
The 2002 Commissioner’s Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Awards were presented during a breakfast ceremony at the Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s 61st annual meeting in Daytona Beach on Friday, November 1. The awards program is now in its ninth year and has recognized a total of 29 winners.
"The Ag-Environmental Leadership Award program spotlights the environmentally innovative farming practices of our state’s growers and ranchers," Bronson said. "Focusing public attention on their efforts helps illuminate Florida agriculture’s dedication to preserving the environment and conserving natural resources while helping ensure a continuing supply of food and fiber."
This year’s winners are:
Sanwa Growers Inc. of Wimauma
Holloway Tree Farm and Holloway Irrigations Systems of Leesburg
Daniel A. Botts of Orlando
"Agriculturalists are the original environmentalists," Bronson said. "As a lifelong rancher, I have always respected the bond between man and the environment. We depend on the land, and are charged with being its true stewards as we strive to meet the growing demands of our nation and the world."
Nominations for the awards were received earlier this year by a screening committee composed of scientific and technical experts with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, which selected the finalists. The three winners were then selected from the group of finalists by a selection committee made up of representatives from The Nature Conservancy, the state’s Water Management Districts, the Florida Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, the Florida Dairy Association, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Florida Citrus Mutual, and the Florida Forestry Association.
Photos - Holloway Tree Farm:
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The entrance to the Holloway Tree Farm in Leesburg, home of the Holloway Irrigation System.
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Rufus "Dick" Holloway, left, and son, Michael,
examine plans for an addition to the Holloway Irrigation System on
the Holloway Tree Farm in Leesburg.
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Before the Holloway Irrigation System, the most efficient
technology for irrigation used microjets, a network of thin tubes
and micro-nozzles, which required considerable labor to maintain.
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To retain water, the Holloway Irrigation System uses
an impermeable white polyethylene membrane to line the flood-plain
area and partitions to isolate areas for selective watering.
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The Holloway Irrigation System’s engineers laser
sculpt the ground contour to ensure even depth of the flood plain
for uniform watering of the containerized plants.
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Michael Holloway, left, and father, Rufus "Dick"
Holloway, next to a flood-plain valve, which is a major component
of the Holloway Irrigation System.
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Michael Holloway, left, and father, Rufus "Dick
Holloway, with an example of their high-quality, container-grown ornamental
trees.
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A sculpture garden at the Holloway Tree Farm in Leesburg.
Photos - Daniel A. Botts
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Daniel A. Botts, director of the Florida Fruit and
Vegetable Association’s Environmental and Pest Management Division,
on his way to a meeting in Tallahassee.
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Daniel A. Botts, director of the Florida Fruit and
Vegetable Association’s Environmental and Pest Management Division,
passes by the Great Seal of the State of Florida in the rotunda of
The Capitol in Tallahassee.
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Daniel A. Botts, right center, director of FFVA’s
Environmental and Pest Management Division, addresses the concerns
of some of Florida’s vegetable growers at a meeting in South
Bay.
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Daniel A Botts discusses water use with growers in
South Bay.
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Daniel A. Botts, right, with growers discussing crop
production.
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Daniel A. Botts travels extensively throughout Florida
to meet with agricultural producers.
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Daniel A. Botts in Tallahassee.
Photos - Sanwa Growers, Inc.
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Tony and Connie Leung, owners of Sanwa Growers, Inc.,
at their corporate office in Wimauma.
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One of many delivery vehicles in the fleet of Sanwa
Growers, Inc.
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Sanwa Growers, Inc., supports many community organizations
such as the Redlands Christian Migrants Association Infant Care Center.
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From left, Theresa Alvarado, accounting clerk of the
greenhouse and nurseries, and Sue Grier, general manager, in one of
the greenhouses at Sanwa Growers, Inc.
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Ginger is prepared for distribution in the Wimauma
packing plant. Sanwa Growers, Inc., is one of the largest importers
of ginger in the United States.
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An employee inspects the condition of some of the
new crops in one of the greenhouses at Sanwa Growers, Inc.
