The 2006 Agricultural Conference has issued a call for nominations for the Hawaii Agriculture Awards. Awards are presented to outstanding organizations which, or individuals who, contribute to the advancement of Hawaii 's agricultural industry as businesses, leaders, researchers, supporters, volunteers and/or friends. Nominees must demonstrate excellence and high levels of achievement in their respective fields as well as significant contributions to agriculture in Hawaii. There are four award categories:

• Outstanding Agriculture Operation
• New Farm Operation (less than 3 years)
• Friend of Agriculture
• Innovative Value Added Products

General selection criteria include sustainability of operation, capacity for expansion or continued improvements, and innovation and creativity. The awards will be presented during the luncheon at Ag 2006, Maximizing Your Bottom Line on Thursday October 26 in the Hilton Hawaiian Village Coral Ballroom.

Year 2004 ’s award winners were:

• Harold T. Tanouye, Jr., of Green Point Nurseries, Inc., Hilo: Outstanding Agriculture Operation Award
  
• Thomas and Eva-Maria Kafsack of Surfing Goat Dairy, Kula: New Farm Operation Award
• David “Buddy” Nobriga of Nobriga Ranch, Inc., Wailuku: Friend Of Agriculture Award

Deadline for nomination submissions is September 15, 2006. Nomination forms are available by calling 808-947-2914 or may be downloaded here.

The Conference and Awards are presented by the Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation, Agricultural Leadership Foundation of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, and Hawaii Department of Agriculture.