The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DOYLE EDWARD CONNER, SR.” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1973-E1974 on Dec. 19, 2012.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DOYLE EDWARD CONNER, SR.
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HON. JEFF MILLER
of florida
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Doyle Edward Conner, Sr. Throughout his long and distinguished career in politics, Doyle Connor served the people of Florida for 40 years in both the Florida House of Representatives and as the Commissioner of Agriculture. Commissioner Conner served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout the state. All of Florida mourns the loss of a great man and unparalleled public servant.
Commissioner Conner was a fourth-generation farmer who grew up learning the value of hard work on his family's farm in Starke, Florida where he helped raise cattle, grow strawberries and cut timber. Commissioner Conner was a born leader, and he was active in his community from a very young age. He participated in his local 4-H club and eventually became president of the Alachua County branch of 4-H. In 1947, he graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Florida where he became involved in the Future Farmers of America
(FFA), serving as the president of FFA at both the state and national levels.
In 1950, while still a 21-year-old student at the University of Florida, Commissioner Conner was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Despite his youth, he quickly established himself as a serious and committed statesman who was respected by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Due to his assiduous work ethic and natural leadership, Commissioner Conner quickly rose through the ranks of the Florida House of Representatives. In 1957, at the age of only 28, Commissioner Conner was elected as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the youngest Speaker in the state's history--a record that still stands today. While serving as Speaker, he helped craft legislation to promote and advance Florida's agricultural industry, including the landmark Green Belt Law. He also worked to establish first- class agricultural labs to help eradicate numerous diseases and predators and pave the way for the further development of the Florida agricultural industry.
In 1960, after serving 10 years in the Florida House of Representatives, Commissioner Conner was elected as the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, a position that he held until his retirement in 1991. Commissioner Conner brought his vast experience as both a farmer and a legislator to his new role and helped expand Florida's output from $900 million in 1960 to more than $6 billion at the time of his departure in 1991. Commissioner Conner was a tireless worker, who traveled around the world to promote Florida agriculture and open new markets for Florida's farmers. He also expanded on his earlier legislative efforts to combat diseases, and under his leadership, Florida established a method for detecting the Mediterranean fruit fly which became the worldwide standard.
His excellence and leadership in Florida was recognized nationally, and he was even asked by President Kennedy to move to Washington to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After thanking the President for his offer, Commissioner Conner respectfully informed him that he wanted to keep his family in Florida and continue serving the state he so deeply loved. For his service to the agricultural industry, he was presented with numerous awards and recognitions. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, and the Florida FAA Hall of Fame.
Commissioner Conner also had an unwavering commitment to educating young people to help advance Florida's agricultural sector. He maintained a life-long relationship with his alma mater, serving as the president of the University of Florida National Alumni Association, and in 1972, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Today, the University of Florida maintains a scholarship in Commissioner Conner's name, which is awarded to students throughout Florida who display leadership in FFA and 4-H.
Commissioner Conner served as a mentor to numerous individuals throughout his career. My wife Vicki and I both had the distinct privilege and honor of working for and learning from Commissioner Conner. His leadership and commitment to Florida helped inspire me and numerous others to pursue public service. His contribution to the state of Florida and our nation cannot be overstated, and his legacy will continue to inspire Floridians for generations to come.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am honored to recognize the life and service of a great man, Commissioner Doyle Conner. His contribution to Florida will never be forgotten. Vicki and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Conner family.
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