The following release was issued by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam this week, as former Agriculture Commissioner Doyle Conner was laid to rest on Wednesday in Tallahassee. It features statements by former Florida Commissioners of Agriculture about Doyle Conner. Conner will always remain the person who held the office longer than anyone else in Florida history. Former Commissioners Bob Crawford, Terry Rhodes, Charles H. Bronson and Adam H. Putnam issued the following statements in memory of Doyle Conner.
Commissioner Conner served as Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture from 1961 to 1991. Commissioner Conner passed away on Sunday, December 16, in Monticello, Florida. His body will lie in state today at Florida’s Historic Capitol from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Tallahassee and the burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.
Statement by Commissioner Bob Crawford (1991-2001)
“The strength of today’s agriculture industry is due, in part, to the efforts by Doyle Conner to protect Florida agriculture from potential threats.
“During his tenure, Doyle tackled some of the most significant threats to Florida agriculture, like cattle screwworm and Mediterranean fruit fly, with innovative solutions and perseverance.
“Under Doyle’s leadership, Florida set the standard for others to follow.”
Statement by Commissioner Terry Rhodes (2001)
“Doyle Conner was there for agriculture when agriculture needed him most.
“Doyle employed innovative techniques to fight agriculture’s most significant challenges. Through sophisticated marketing tactics, he brought Florida-grown products to the world stage.
“As a result of Doyle’s efforts, Florida agriculture is what it is today – the strongest pillar of Florida’s economy.”
Statement by Commissioner Charles H. Bronson (2001 to 2011)
“During his 30 years as Commissioner of Agriculture, one of Doyle Conner’s most significant contributions was his effort to increase international trading opportunities for Florida agriculture.
“Doyle Conner was considered a trendsetter among state agriculture commissioners throughout the region and around the country. Today, he is a strong role model for his successors as much as he was his peers.”
Statement by Commissioner Adam H. Putnam (2011 to present)
“Doyle Conner was a powerful advocate for Florida’s agriculture industry, a strong defense against pests and disease that threatened the industry and a tireless promoter of Florida-grown products.
Perhaps his greatest accomplishment, however, was the motivation and inspiration he offered to many Floridians, myself included.
Florida suffered a great loss with the passing of Doyle Conner, but his legacy is sure to have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
For more information about Commissioner Doyle Conner’s tenure as Commissioner of Agriculture and service to the state of Florida, visit http://www.florida-agriculture.com/conner/.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit www.FreshFromFlorida.com.