The South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) is seeking nominations for the 2023 South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year Award. Producers and members of the public are invited to nominate a farmer who has made a significant contribution to specialty crop production in the state. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, honey, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
The award is sponsored in part by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service.
Across South Dakota there are many farmers working hard to increase access to fresh local foods. A plethora of specialty crops and value-added products including honey, cut flowers, fruits vegetables, nuts, jams and salsas are available across South Dakota. This wide variety of products can be found anywhere from farm stands and farmers markets to grocery stores and restaurants. The commitment that South Dakota producers make to growing and producing their goods helps strengthen the economies, food systems, and community in many areas across the state.
In 2023, SDSPA and DANR would like to recognize one specialty crop producer for making an outstanding contribution to South Dakota agriculture.
The South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year is someone who:
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Provides visionary leadership to South Dakota’s agricultural industry, and advocates for specialty crops – fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, and nursery crops, including floriculture.
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Actively promotes growth, innovation, and prosperity for South Dakota local food systems and specialty crops.
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Mentors new and beginner farmers and invests in the next generation of producers.
You may nominate yourself or share the outstanding achievements of your colleagues & neighbors. Nominations must be submitted by Dec. 15, 2023.
Nominations are limited to 500 words and should include at least one photo of the nominee. The nomination form can be found on the SDSPA website: https://sdspecialtyproducers.
A panel of judges from SDSPA will select the top nominees. Public voting will open Jan. 5, 2024. The winner will be announced during the Upper Midwest Urban and Rural Agriculture Innovation (UMURAI) Conference on Feb. 8-9, 2024 in Chamberlain S.D.
The ‘South Dakota Specialty Crop Producer of the Year’ will receive a complimentary full conference pass to the UMURAI Conference, as well as a free one-year membership to the S.D. Specialty Producers Association. They will also be featured in a state-wide press release, on the SDSPA website and social media sites, and in the SDSPA newsletter.
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