Best Management Practices (BMPs)

8. Agriculture BMPs/Local Government

We acknowledge FDACS as the lead agency in the development, implementation and adoption by rule of agricultural BMPs. We urge local governments to participate with FDACS in the development, implementation and adoption by rule of BMPs to address agricultural non-point pollution by region, watershed or on a statewide basis. We oppose the development of ordinances by local governments to address agricultural non-point pollution.

We support Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Resource Conservation & Development Councils in their efforts to work with agricultural landowners in implementing BMPs. (W/NR)

9. Animal Husbandry BMPs

We urge that FDACS be the lead agency to certify that livestock producers are using animal husbandry BMPs based on United States industry standards. (DAIRY)

10. Best Management Practices

We support scientific, economically feasible and technology-based BMPs as developed by the United States Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA/NRCS), FDACS and University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) with industry input as solutions to potential ground water and surface water problems while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production.

As BMPs are established, FDACS and the USDA/NRCS should continue as the lead agencies in the development and implementation of BMPs.

We support continued research for voluntary BMPs and educational programs for the public that identify improved management practices as they relate to the environment. We encourage incentive program funding by the state and federal governments. (W/NR)

11. Nursery Best Management Practices

We continue to support the development and implementation of voluntary, science-based BMPs for the nursery and landscape industry for the continued benefit of the environment. (HORT)

12. Tobacco Best Management Practices

To encourage export sales, we recommend growers use current BMPs for growing tobacco. (OVERSIGHT)