[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MARIA COSTA SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 2010

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to 
honor Maria Costa Smith, successful horticulturalist, businesswoman and 
agricultural engineer in South Dade, Florida.
  Maria currently serves as the color division president of Costa 
Farms. She is part of the third generation of the Costa family to run 
the farm. Started in 1961 by her grandfather, Jose Costa, and father, 
Tony Costa, Costa farms is one of South Dade's largest small 
businesses, now employing 2,200 and owning over 2,600 acres of land. In 
addition to its thriving foliage and plant divisions, Costa Farms 
operates merchandising and transportation companies in south Florida, 
North Carolina, the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. Maria runs the 
farm with her husband, Chief Executive Officer Jose Smith, and her 
brother, Jose, who is vice president of the foliage division.
  Recently, the Dade County Farm Bureau Women's Committee recognized 
Maria Costa Smith as the 2010 Woman of Distinction in Agriculture. She 
was recognized for her valuable contributions to the South Dade 
agriculture and agribusiness. Today I honor her for those reasons and 
many more, including her commitment to seeing through the dream of her 
grandfather, helping others in the community and ensuring that South 
Florida's local economy continues to flourish.
  As we celebrate Women's History Month, I ask you to join me in 
congratulating and thanking Maria Costa Smith for her outstanding 
dedication, work ethic and desire to see her community prosper.

                          ____________________