Eight NEW Issue Briefs Added March 14, 2011

Visit our Issue Briefs page to read the latest on Numeric Nutrient Criteria, Estate Taxes, Clean Air Act/Greenhouse Gas Regulation, Agricultural Labor, Agriculture Chemicals, Comprehensive Energy Policy,  GIPSA and Capital Gains Taxes.

If you have any questions, or would like to see a brief on another issue, contact our Ag. Policy Staff at 352-374-1544.

Florida Farm Bureau Releases Transportation Manual

In 2004, Florida Farm Bureau worked with the Florida Department of Transportation to design a handbook outlining transportation rules and regulations as they apply to agriculture.  Since that time many changes have taken place in the law and we decided to update this useful tool.

The updated handbook is entitled “Transportation Laws & Agriculture: What You Need to Know to Stay in Compliance With Florida Law”.  This publication seeks to provide our members with answers to common questions surrounding many of the confusing laws regarding transportation and agriculture.  This is by no means a comprehensive manual.  One of the most useful parts of the handbook is a list of contacts for local Department of Transportation offices that can help provide specific answers to more complex questions.

Initially, each County Farm Bureau is being provided 5 booklets.  Field Staff will also have copies available to distribute to members.  County Farm Bureaus can obtain additional copies by contacting the Agricultural Policy Division at 352-374-1544.

Download the Transportation Manual

Florida Farm Bureau Comments on proposed Numeric Nutrient Water Quality Standards

Written Comments re: Adoption of Numeric Nutrient Water Quality Standards for Florida

Dairy-Anaerobic Digester Feasiblity Study Results:

In October 2008 the Florida Farm Bureau Federation along with 23 partners received a 2008 USDA grant to determine the viability of anaerobic digesters in Florida, specifically for use on dairy farms. See below for more information.

Download a pdf of the Energy Issue Brief
PowerPoint on the feasibility study results

Click on the Guide to Statutory Exemptions for Agriculture to see the guide.

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Correcting misconceptions about Florida's Greenbelt Law

Q: What is Greenbelt?

A: It is not a tax “exemption.” Under the Greenbelt Law, FS 193.461 (3) (b), properties that are bona fide agricultural operations are taxed according to the “use” value of those operations, rather than the development value. Generally, tax assessments for qualifying land are lower than those for other uses. But ... all owners of such property do pay taxes.

Questions & answers about the Greenbelt Law.

Myths about Greenbelt.

Visit our Water & Natural Resources section for Reports and Water Issue Links.

Agriculture is in a unique position to play an important role in producing enough energy to greatly decrease America’s dependence on foreign oil. Corn ethanol and biodiesel production have already been huge successes in the mid-west, producing an economically feasible, renewable fuel source that can be produced on the farm.

The goal of this report is to explore the potential for alternative energy production, examine the legislative and policy climate surrounding alternative energy, explain what efforts Florida Farm Bureau has undertaken to understand and support alternative energy production and to establish some recommendations for Florida Farm Bureau’s future involvement in support of this industry.

Download Report in PDF format.