The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame (FAHOF) celebrates Floridians who have made outstanding contributions to the agriculture and food industry and publicizes the importance of their achievements in the state. It shows off a variety of Florida's agricultural products and commodities. Florida Agriculture contributes $160 billion in economic activity and supports 2.5 million jobs.
History Robert Morris, Richard Kelly and Elton Hinton established the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 1979 to identify and honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to agriculture in Florida. The organization is run by volunteers and utilizes a building with their name located at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. The assumption is that the FAHOF features ranchers and farmers, but such is not the case. Agriculturists including researchers, inventors, educators and state agents join growers and cattlemen for the honor. The first class of honorees was inaugurated in 1980.
Breakfast The FAHOF hosts a breakfast, "Fresh from Florida" on the opening day of the fair. The Flip the Switch event, which officially opens the fair, either precedes or follows the breakfast. Guests include leaders from agriculture and state and local government officials and the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. Speakers talk about Florida agriculture and the future.
Banquet The association chooses at least two inductees each year from all the nominations. During the February Florida State Fair in Tampa, an induction and portrait unveiling ceremony is held during the annual dinner banquet where the life and accomplishments of the year's inductees are celebrated. The FAHOF also supports youth, specifically FFA and 4-H members, who show interest and potential in agriculture. Part of the banquet's profits fund agricultural scholarships and opportunities for mentoring in the Youth Mentor Program. Numerous youths also receive complimentary banquet attendance to meet industry leaders.
Gallery Since 1980, the Florida Department of Agriculture in Tallahassee was home to the gallery where the HOF displays portraits of its inductees along with their biographical notes. In 1995–1996, the gallery moved to a permanent home in the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Building in the Tampa Fairgrounds complex. The gallery is open to the public during the fair in February but can only be visited by appointment during the rest of the year.
List of Inductees
See also Agricultural Hall of Fame List of agriculture awards
External links Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame
References