Commissioner Nikki Fried Proclaims Hispanic Heritage Month in Florida

Coral Gables, Fla. — Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, issued a Cabinet proclamation recognizing September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in the state of Florida.

Fried was joined at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden by several Hispanic farmers and agriculture producers, including Ariel Lopez of Coki Organic Farm and a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran of Puerto Rican origin; Alicia del Aguila of Aloha Redland Farm and a DACA recipient of Peruvian origin; and Elide Santos of Dragon Fruit Nature Farms, who is of Peruvian origin. Commissioner Fried was also joined by Dr. Carl Lewis, Director of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Photos of the press conference may be found here, and a livestream may be found on our Facebook page here.

“Florida is home to the nation’s third-highest Hispanic population, with six million proud Hispanic Floridians making great contributions to the fabric of our society,” said Commissioner Fried. “Florida should be a diverse, inclusive state where all people of Hispanic origin are welcome, from recent immigrants to those here for generations. I’m honored to proclaim September 15 to October 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Florida, and to have been joined today by several Hispanic leaders in agriculture, including an Army Special Forces veteran and a proud immigrant growing organic crops.”

“I am Peruvian, I migrated here when I was eight years old in 1999, I’m a DACA recipient, and I’m an organic grower. I’m so proud to be able to grow food for people, and to empower them in the kitchen to nurture themselves, their bodies, and their families,” said Alicia del Aguila. “Thank you Commissioner Fried for having Hispanic people of all backgrounds speak on our own experiences.”

“We are proud to be a family-owned and operated farm for six years, producing dragon fruit and hemp. Commissioner Fried has seriously advocated in favor of Florida hemp legislation, removing obstacles for farming and this growing industry,” said Elide Santos. “I thank Commissioner Fried for all her support for the Hispanic agricultural community.”

Background: People of Hispanic origin comprise approximately 27 percent of Florida’s population. There are nearly 100,000 Hispanic agricultural operators across America, most of which have worked their farms for more than 10 years, according to the USDA. In Florida, more than 7,000 Hispanic farm operators manage over 5,000 farms, covering more than 600,000 acres and $1.5 billion in commodities grown and sold. Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide from September 15 to October 15.

Commissioner Fried’s Cabinet proclamation reads as follows:

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month we celebrate the history and contributions that Hispanic and Latinx Americans have made to the state of Florida.

WHEREAS, Florida has the third largest population of Hispanic people in the nation, with more than four million diverse residents within the Sunshine State.

WHEREAS, we honor the rich and vibrant traditions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

WHEREAS, from September 15 to October 15, we pay tribute to the dedication and service of Hispanic and Latinx leaders, farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, and others that have greatly influenced Florida’s agricultural legacy.

WHEREAS, Hispanic Floridians have been an integral part of our communities, whose contributions, passion, and skills as agriculture producers, farmworkers, and growers have long shaped Florida’s agricultural successes.

WHEREAS, we extend our gratitude to Hispanic and Latinx Floridians for their efforts to improve the State of Florida and its agriculture industry, and pave the way for future generations of innovative growers and leaders.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Nicole Fried, Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim that September 15 to October 15, 2020, shall be known, designated, and set aside as

Hispanic Heritage Month          

in the state of Florida.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 15th day of September, in the year two thousand twenty.

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