Fast Facts - Vol. 15, No. 11

Vol. 15, No. 11 - Friday, September 28, 2007

Ed Albanesi

Tax amendment struck from Ballot

FFB Director of Legislative Affairs Ben Parks reports that Leon Circuit Judge Charles Francis this week threw out the Legislature’s property-tax vote ballot initiative on the basis that the ballot language is incorrect and misleading. The ruling was brought on by a suit from Weston Mayor Eric Hersh. The ruling leaves room for a legislative fix during the upcoming Special Session, which could get the amendment back on the ballot by Jan. 29. Judge Francis found the language to be misleading, as the Legislature said the proposed amendment would “revise” Save Our Homes, the popular tax assessment limitation, while it actually phases it out. Said Hersh’s lawyer, Jamie Cole, “This preserves people’s right to vote. The ballot language should clearly tell people what they’re voting on, and it didn’t in this case.”

USDA waives disaster payment penalty

FFB Director of Ag Policy Kevin Morgan reports that in late summer many producers who collected disaster assistance for the 2004 hurricanes received letters from FSA that required them to pay back what they received plus interest. In most cases, these letters were sent because producers failed to meet the requirement to buy crop insurance for the following year. Subsequently, USDA decided that the repayment of the disaster assistance would be waived, provided that producers can prove they purchased crop insurance for 2008 or 2009. Because of this ruling, more than 2,000 producers who would have had to repay a total of $24 million can now take steps to avoid refunding the payments. Producers who received a notice should contact their county FSA office. For more information, contact Kevin Morgan at (352) 374-1537.

FDACS accepting grant proposals

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting grant proposals for the Farm to Fuel Grants Program. The 2007 Florida Legislature appropriated $25 million to provide matching grants. The Farm to Fuel Grants Program centers on the production and distribution of renewable energy from Florida-grown crops, agricultural wastes and residues and other biomass. It will award $3 million for research, development and demonstration projects, and the remaining $22 million for commercial bio-energy projects. The deadline for proposals is Friday, Oct 26. For a copy of the request for grant proposals and other information go to: http://www.floridafarmtofuel.com/grant.htm

Martin County Farm Bureau hosts meeting

FFB Assistant Director of Field Services Tom Hill reports that U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney met with three county Farm Bureaus as part of Florida Farm Bureau’s legislative program. Congressman Mahoney met with Farm Bureau leaders from Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie county Farm Bureaus. “I was pleased to hear the Congressman's strong support of agriculture in our area. While serving on the House Agriculture Committee he has been instrumental in making sure that the agricultural interests in this district are well represented,” Robert Snyder, president of Martin County Farm Bureau said. Congressman Mahoney addressed the group of about 50 farmers and ranchers and discussed his positions regarding the Farm Bill, water supply issues, immigration reform and the Estate Tax. “This is exactly the type of event we like to see county Farm Bureaus hosting,” said John Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “This one-on-one time with Congressman Mahoney is important because it gives the congressman another perspective to take to Washington with him and it gives our members a chance to hear from him first-hand.”

Brooks to be honored by Alma Mater

FFB National Affairs Coordinator Dana Brooks is one of five University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) graduates who will be presented the university’s prestigious Alumni Award for Achievement and Merit in a ceremony scheduled for Oct. 12. Brooks, a 1996 graduate of the UAM agriculture program, is being recognized for her work in Washington, D.C. on behalf of American and Florida farmers. Congratulations, Dana.

Endangered Species Protection Bulletins

FFB Assistant Director of Ag Policy Joshua Craft reports that Endangered Species Protection Bulletins set forth geographically specific pesticide use limitations for the protection of endangered or threatened species and their designated critical habitat. If your pesticide label directs you to this Web site, you are required to follow the pesticide use limitations found in the bulletin for your county, pesticide active ingredient and application month. Bulletins may be accessed up to six months prior to pesticide application. For more information contact Joshua Craft at (352) 378-8100, ext. 1091.

Scheffer hired as new fieldman

FFB Director of Field Services Ray Crawford reports that Allen Scheffer has been named FFB assistant director of field services for District I, an area that includes Bay, Calhoun, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties. Scheffer is a lifelong resident of Jackson County and has worked in his family’s auto parts business, both as general manager and an outside salesman. He was involved in FFA while in high school, participated in forestry judging and played baseball and basketball. Scheffer received his AA degree from Chipola College and his BS degree from Troy University, where he majored in marketing and business management. He currently serves on an advisory board for Chipola College and on the administrative board with the First United Methodist Church of Marianna. He is the president of the Jackson County chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation. Scheffer and his wife, Julie, are expecting their first child in December.

Advisory committees recommend policy changes

Beef – Amended policy (Animal ID): We support a voluntary national animal ID program. In the event of mandatory animal ID, we support increased federal funding for phased implementation. Amended policy (Beef Check-Off): We also support future increases to provide continued benefits of the program. € € € Dairy – New resolutions: 1. We believe that emission offsets that sequester carbon through soil, forestry and other agricultural offsets are just as effective in reducing atmospheric carbon as are emission reductions and should be fully recognized in any cap and trade system. We also encourage Florida Farm Bureau to become a leader in investigating opportunities surrounding climate mitigation strategies for Florida agriculture. 2. We support any advertising, and/or promotion programs that would encourage the consumption of locally produced milk and other dairy products. 3. We support strict enforcement of milk quality standards on raw milk imported into the state of Florida. This enforcement should be done by the Dairy Division of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. € € € Water/Natural Resources – Amended policy (Agriculture BMPs): We support Soil and Water Conservation Districts and Resource Conservation and Development Councils in their efforts to work with agricultural landowners in implementing BMPs. (Air Quality Standards): Particulate matter from agricultural sources should be excluded from the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Without conclusive scientific evidence indicating that particulate matter from farm and ranch operations adversely affects public health, we oppose any mandatory air quality standards for ozone and particulate matter for agricultural operations. We oppose any attempt to regulate methane emissions from ruminant animals under the Clean Air Act or any other legislative vehicle; and air permits for agricultural operations that are not science based. We recommend further research into emission factors for particulate matter for agricultural operations. (Clean Water Act): We oppose any attempt to broaden the jurisdiction of the Federal Clean Water Act. € € € Sugar – Amended policy (Lake Okeechobee): Everglades Forever Act mandates that 298 Districts be allowed to pump 20 percent of excess supply into Lake Okeechobee in times of a water emergency. We support recognition that water emergencies include both flooding and drought relief. (Water Management Districts): We support the South Florida Water Management District’s authority to replenish Lake Okeechobee water supply from other available sources as it deems necessary, including EAA. € € € Apiculture – New resolution: We recommend that FDACS and USDA develop a industry-wide standard of identity for honey. € € € Trade – New resolutions: 1. We oppose the permanent lifting of current restrictions for Mexican trucks importing agricultural products into the U. S. 2. We support the transfer of authority for agricultural inspections at U. S. ports of entry from the Department of Homeland Security to USDA/APHIS.

Beware of copper thieves

FFB General Counsel Scottie Butler reports metal thefts have been on the rise as prices have skyrocketed. Copper thefts are hitting farmers in California, Florida and throughout the country. Commonly used in electrical wiring, and included in motors for pumps and tractors and other farm machinery, copper is everywhere in agricultural operations and is an increasingly juicy target for thieves. It sells for about $3.50 a pound, a more than 400 percent increase from 2001, fueled in part by demand from a building boom in China.

A Fast Facts farm fact

Today, 98 percent of all U.S. farms are owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations. They produce 86 percent of U.S. farm products sold. Just 2 percent of America’s farms and ranches are owned by non-family corporations, which account for only 14 percent of U.S. farm product sales.