AIF is accepting nominees for its second annaual "Ag-Vocate" honor.  The honor recognizes an individual who effectively communicates with opinion leaders and the general public, thereby increasing agriculture's public profile.  Submissions must be received by August 15, 2008 for consideration.

For specific criteria and an application, contact Scott Wallin, swallin@floridamilk.com.

that is funded by many industry-related associations and businesses. 

The issues affecting agriculture present opportunities for AIF to elevate its presence as an opinion leader within the industry and the media.  They offer AIF the opportunity to demonstrate how its members are effectively deadling with issues.

AIF has send position papers and news releases to the media statewide on issues including:

• Tomato growers' labor issues throughout Florida
• Water and drought issues throughout Florida
• Budget cuts at IFAS
• Food Check-Out Week Observance

These efforts have resulted in the following media pickup:

• Gainesville Sun published paper on IFAS budget cuts
• Lakeland Ledger published paper on IFAS budget cuts
• Orlando Business Journal published portions on press release oin Food Check-Out Week

In addition, Consensus has conducted visits to agricultural operations throughout the state that are developing and/or implementing unique, innovative, or different approaches to daily operations.

Visits have been made to:

• Agri-Starts, Inc., Apopka
• Knox Nursery, Winter Garden
• Dairy Production Systems, Belle
• Deroose Plants, Apopka

The visit to Knox Nursery resulted in positive media pickup in The Orlando Sentinel.  AIF and Consensus Communications were able to learn some insights while at the nursery and contacted the Sentinel reporter and pictched the story.  A couple of weeks later, the reporter visited Knox and brought a photographer.  The story was published May 5 with the headline: "Knox Nursery, an Orlando-area agribusiness finds high-tech ways to meet the challenge."

SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN
Your support through a contribution will sustain the campaign and help ensure its success through its 30-month time frame for a total estimated cost of $170,000. Checks made payable to the Ag Institute of Florida can be mailed to: P.O. Box 940625, Maitland, Fla., 32794.