Sandra Moore named 2024 Woman of the Year in Agriculture by Wilton Simpson

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced Sandra Moore as the 2024 Woman of the Year in Agriculture Tuesday.

Moore, a Hillsborough County native, is the first Woman of the Year winner awarded from the tropical fish industry. The nomination includes categories in cattle, vegetables, timber, citrus, row crops, equine, horticulture, tropical fruits, sugar cane, dairy, agricultural journalism, and agricultural education and outreach.

“I am so pleased to announce Sandra Moore as this year’s Woman of the Year in Agriculture, and I am even more excited to share that she is the first winner of this award to represent the tropical fish industry,” Simpson said in a press release. “Sandra is a vital member of not only the ornamental fish industry, but the aquaculture and pet industry nationwide, and we are proud to honor her with this award.”

Beginning in 1992, Moore worked in the aquatics industry for Segrest Farms, a large ornamental fish wholesaler currently located in Gibsonton, Florida.

“We are excited to share that our President Sandy Moore has been honored and recognized for her many years of hard work and dedication to the Aquarium Industry and how we support Florida tropical fish farming,” Segrest Farms said.

Just outside Tampa, Segrest Farms added it has spurn agriculture growth, created jobs in several professions, and grown awareness for Florida habitats and global sustainability which financially support Florida’s economy across generations.

According to the release, Moore has “taken pride in the company’s development of best management practices that set an industry standard.”

“Ms. Moore volunteers her time to organizations, boards, and councils promoting and protecting the aquarium trade industry,” the release said. “She received a unanimous endorsement from the Tropical Fish Farms Association Board of Director on her nomination.”

After 23 years of service, Moore was named president of Segrest Farms in 2023.

Florida’s Woman of the Year was first awarded in 1995. In 2001, the award was enhanced to “help heighten awareness about the women who have helped make Florida agriculture into the important industry that it is today.”

Moore will be recognized by Simpson at the Woman of the Year in Agriculture luncheon at the Florida State Fair in Tampa next February.