(FDACS/TALLAHASSEE, FL/April 23, 2024) — Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) announced Sandra Moore as the 2024 Woman of the Year in Agriculture.
“I am so pleased to announce Sandra Moore as this year’s Woman of the Year in Agriculture, and I am even more excited to share that she is the first winner of this award to represent the tropical fish industry,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Sandra is a vital member of not only the ornamental fish industry, but the aquaculture and pet industry nationwide, and we are proud to honor her with this award.”
Courtesy of FDACS
Sandra Moore, of Hillsborough County, is the first Woman of the Year in Agriculture winner representing the tropical fish industry. In 1992, Ms. Moore began her career in the aquatics industry at Segrest Farms, one of the largest ornamental fish wholesalers in the world. She became President of Segrest Farms in 2015, and over the years has taken pride in the company’s development of best management practices that have set an industry standard. Ms. Moore volunteers her time to organizations, boards, and councils promoting and protecting the aquarium trade industry. She received a unanimous endorsement from the Tropical Fish Farms Association Board of Director on her nomination. Ms. Moore will be recognized by Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson at the Woman of the Year in Agriculture luncheon during the Florida State Fair in February.
Since 1985, women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture have been honored with the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award. This award, sponsored by FDACS in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, is presented to the recipient during the Florida State Fair in Tampa.
Recipients of the “Woman of the Year in Agriculture” award have come from all parts of the industry, including cattle, vegetables, timber, citrus, row crops, equine, horticulture, tropical fruits, sugar cane, dairy, agricultural journalism, and agricultural education and outreach.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.