Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services & Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation Announce 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

Robert Fuchs

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced four Florida agricultural leaders who will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s agriculture industry.

“The 2012 Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees were chosen not only for their commitment to improving their own craft through technology and innovation, but also for their willingness to share these advancements with the industry as a whole,” said Commissioner Putnam. “I commend each of these Floridians for their contributions to the agriculture industry and our state.”

Robert Fuchs
This year’s inductees include longtime industry and FNGLA member Robert Fuchs, Homestead, FL. Fuchs is a premier orchid grower of South Florida and owner of R F Orchids, Inc. His efforts have helped place Florida’s orchid industry in the international spotlight and have brought recognition to Miami-Dade County for its unique agricultural attractions. Among his many accomplishments, Robert has been referred to as the Orchid King and has been involved with the American Orchid Society for many years.


Three other Florida agriculture members are also being inducted:

Laurence P. Cutts, Chipley, FL: A third-generation beekeeper, Cutts was instrumental in advocating for research to reduce bee hive losses in Florida. He also invented a trap for small hive beetles, a threat to hives and beekeepers. Cutts served as chief of the Apiary Inspection Bureau at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. He also represented the beekeeping industry before the Legislature as a member of the Florida State Beekeepers Association legislative committee.

Gerald Mixon, Winter Haven, FL: Mixon’s determination for growing blueberries helped him transform a small seven acre patch of blueberries into a vertically-integrated, international conglomerate. He is credited with helping to increase Florida’s blueberry sales from approximately $2 million to more than $70 million from 1990 to 2009.

Sidney L. Sumner, Bartow, FL: Sumner has worked with cattle producers to adopt new technologies and practices to improve Florida’s beef production. His encouragement of innovative and time-tested methods has optimized production and profitability on Florida ranches.

The 2012 Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the 34th Annual Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame banquet on February 14, 2012, during the Florida State Fair in Tampa.  Tickets to the event will be available in January. For ticket information, call the Agricultural Hall of Fame at (813) 230-1918.

Access  Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame details online.