Putnam receives support from legends in Florida agriculture

BARTOW, Fla. – Twenty-one members of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame have offered their official endorsement of Congressman Adam Putnam for Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inducted four new members last night and added to the lists of endorsements for Putnam’s campaign.

“Florida has been shaped by those who earn their living from the land. Adam Putnam, our fellow farmer, will use his experience and sound decision-making skills to ensure that Florida’s agricultural legacy continues for generations to come,” said Carl Loop, Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame member and Florida Farm Bureau Federation President from 1983 to 2006.

The Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes those who have made lifelong contributions to Florida agriculture. The honorees’ diverse agricultural backgrounds range from cattle ranching in Okeechobee to peanut production in Alachua to nursery operations in Tampa. These individuals represent decades of hard work and dedication to the production of food, fiber and natural resources in The Sunshine State.

“As a fellow citrus grower, I can think of no one who will serve agriculture and the entire state better than Adam Putnam. He carries with him a tremendous knowledge of agriculture and consumer issues,” said Ben Hill Griffin, III, newest inductee in the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame.

“It is with great humility and honor that I accept the endorsement of members of the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame,” said Congressman Adam Putnam. “These individuals have paved the way for farmers and ranchers like me and they continue to leave an impact on our industry far greater than they may ever realize. I will look to their guidance while serving as Commissioner of Agriculture and will work diligently in addressing the needs of Florida’s producers and consumers.”

Adam Putnam is a Polk County citrus grower and cattleman who has represented the Twelfth Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since January 2001. He also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996 to 2000.

Adam resides in his hometown of Bartow with his wife Melissa and their four children.

Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame members who have endorsed Congressman Putnam are as follows:

Leroy Baldwin, 1995
T. Richard Barber, Jr., 2004
Neal P. Brooks, 1996
Roy G. Davis, 2006
Paul J. DiMare, 2005
Hugh English, 2008
Barnette E. Greene, Jr., 1996
Ben Hill Griffin, III, 2009
M. Copeland Griswold, 2001
Bert J. Harris, Jr., 1999
Arlen Jumper, 2003
Louis “Red” Larson, 1981
Carl B. Loop, Jr., 2002
Maxey D. Love, Jr., 1998
John A. Mortenson, 1993
Bert E. Roper, 2001
Charles “Chuck” Smith, 2006
George F. Sorn, 2002
Alto A. Straughn, 2008
Henry F. Swanson, 2000
George H. Wedgworth, 1994