Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services have launched the Florida Agriculture History Award essay contest. The competition encourages Florida elementary, middle, and high school students to learn about the achievements of women, African American, Hispanic, and Latinx leaders that have made notable impacts on Florida agriculture.
“Agriculture is one Florida’s oldest industries and the backbone of our economy. So much of our progress in growing fresh food for our families is because of the hard, thankless work of women and people of color that you might not hear about in history books,” said Commissioner Nikki Fried. “As one of the most diverse states in the nation, we’re honoring the rich history and many contributions that women, African American, Hispanic and Latinx leaders have made to Florida agriculture.”
From November 1 through January 10, the Florida Agriculture History Award essay contest will be open to all 4th through 12th graders enrolled in a Florida public or private school. Students can write a 500-word essay about a notable woman, African-American, Hispanic, or Latinx person whose achievements have impacted Florida’s agriculture industry. Winners will earn one of ten $1,000 cash scholarships, courtesy of Fresh From Florida.
Fried and the Department announced the essay content today on Twitter and Facebook.
Students can learn more, find official contest rules, and enter by visiting FDACS.gov/AgHistoryAward.