At the Ninth Annual Women in Agriculture Luncheon, Homestead Councilman Elvis Maldonado honored a very special woman who has made it her life’s work to inform and educate public institutions on how to protect our precious food sources.
As an esteemed graduate of Cornell University, Dr. Mary Lamberts’ first assignment as an educator sent her to the far reaches of Thailand where she taught English as a foreign language. Thereafter, Dr. Lamberts’ 30-year journey as one of the State of Florida’s foremost vegetable extension agents and pesticide trainers would begin in earnest. An extension is a partnership between state, federal, and county governments to provide scientific knowledge and expertise to the public. For decades, Dr. Lamberts shared her knowledge through published works of scholarship that yielded her awards and acclaim from her peers. She served the public good in Miami-Dade County when she worked closely with vegetable growers and helped them safely combat pest problems that threatened their crops. As a Miami-Dade County Pesticide Trainer, she was responsible for training and recertifying more than 10% of the state’s applicators.
“It is a great honor to be able to proclaim this day in Dr. Lamberts’ honor,” said Councilman Maldonado at the luncheon. “Her contributions to the prosperity of our state’s farmers and to the health of its citizens cannot be understated. Hers is a story of hard work and devotion to the people in the State of Florida.”
The luncheon was graciously organized by Carol Harris (pictured on right), Dade County Farm Bureau Committee Chair.
Currently, Dr. Lamberts is active in the American Society for Horticultural Science and the Florida State Horticultural Society, both of which she has served on the Board of Directors and is a member of the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of South Florida and Your Bosom Buddies, a breast cancer support group.
