Pests & Diseases

132. Ag Emergency Declarations

We support the Commissioner of Agriculture's right to declare an agricultural emergency. We further recommend that just compensation should be given for agricultural material that is destroyed under such an emergency.

In the event a new or exotic disease of plants or animals is discovered, we support a joint state-federal funded eradication program that provides for indemnification as a part of the eradication program.

We support programs that promote the biological control of exotic pests.

We support the continuation of an agricultural emergency trust fund as established under current law. (CITRUS)

133. Agricultural Inspections at Ports of Entry

We support the transfer of authority for agricultural inspections at U.S. ports of entry from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to USDA/Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). (HORT)

134. Boll Weevil Program

We support the boll weevil program and support state help for this program. (PEANUT/COTTON)

135. Brucellosis

We urge the continuation of calf hood vaccinations for heifers. (BEEF) (DAIRY)

136. Caribfly-free Zones

We urge the expansion of Caribfly-free zones and the necessary research for that expansion. (CITRUS)

137. Equine Diseases

Several diseases threaten Florida’s equine industry. We support legislation allowing the administration of approved medication for the treatment of Equine Protozoal Myelitis on horses competing in the state. We support the ability of horse owners to purchase vaccine and vaccinate their own horses for West Nile Virus and other infectious diseases. (EQUINE)

138. Foreign and Domestic Diseases

We urge state and federal agencies to more closely monitor all foreign and domestic diseases and pests that could endanger United States agriculture and wildlife. (BEEF)

139. Imported Fire Ant

We support the fully funded federal maintenance of the fire ant quarantine and research to eradicate or effectively control the imported fire ant. (HORT)

140. Invasive Pest Plants

We support the scientific recognition of pest plants using the UF/IFAS Invasive Plant Assessment and support the control and eradication of these plants. We support the development of state and federal funding for the evaluation, control and eradication of defined pest plants. (HORT)

141. Livestock Disease

We support increased federal (USDA) funding for livestock disease surveillance and control. (BEEF)

142. Management of Citrus Diseases

We support continued citrus research and the development of management plans that help growers manage and control pests and diseases (e.g. canker and greening). All findings should be made readily available to growers.

We urge USDA and FDACS to base their regulations strictly on conclusive science. These regulations should be practical, economical and include industry input in their adoption. We encourage these regulatory agencies to look for ways to achieve compliance through education rather than fines and penalties. (CITRUS)

143. Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases

Invasive plant pests and animal diseases pose a serious threat to all Floridians. Florida is a sentinel state for pest introductions and should receive increased focus and support to strengthen our pest protection efforts. Pest and disease exclusion should be the top priority for state and federal agencies with regulatory authority for invasives. Additional emphasis should be placed on the inspection of solid wood packaging material and other known sources of invasive pests. We support the creation of state and federal funding sources, for the eradication and control of plant and animal pests and diseases that are not tied to annual budgeting requirements. We support increased agency cooperation to reduce duplication among the various agencies. We support increased penalties for smuggling of agricultural products. Increased emphasis on education for all stakeholders is necessary to protect our natural resources in the future. (HORT)

144. Protection Against Imported Pests and Diseases

APHIS and Homeland Security funding should be increased to ensure adequate facilities and resources for the sampling and inspection of imported plants, foliage, seeds and cut flowers to detect and prevent the introduction of pests and diseases entering at all ports of entry. Improvements to infrastructure, facilities and shared database technology must become a priority for both agencies. (HORT)

145. Quarantines

Quarantines restricting the interstate movement of agricultural products should be based on conclusive science. (CITRUS)

146. Southern Pine Beetle

We recommend a coordinated and intensified approach to the problems caused by Southern Pine Beetle and other forest pests. We support increased research for these pests and landowner educational efforts for sound pest management practices. (FORESTRY)

147. Strengthening of Quarantine 37

We believe the biological foundation of Quarantine 37 should never be compromised, as it is the first line of defense against the introduction of foreign pests and diseases. We support changes that strengthen the intent of Quarantine 37. These changes should be developed with full industry involvement.

We support adequate funding from state and federal agencies for inspection officials to enforce a strengthened Quarantine 37.

We believe that producers of plant material for export into the U.S. should be held to a responsible standard in utilizing practices that meet phytosanitary standards of the United States. (HORT)