Tampa Bay CARES program to recognize environmental stewardship by farmers and growers

Twelve Tampa Bay growers will be recognized for their superior natural resource stewardship during the first-ever Tampa Bay CARES dinner that will be held during the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s annual meeting on Oct. 1.

These agricultural producers have implemented verifiable state-of-the-art management strategies known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties. CARES - the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship - was initiated by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership to highlight efforts by farm owners to improve natural resource management in the Suwannee River Basin. The partnership includes local, regional, state and federal agencies, research institutions, industry associations, businesses and conservation groups. Since its inception in 2001, the program has moved statewide with CARES farmers, ranchers and growers being recognized in the Santa Fe and Suwannee River basins as well as in the Northern Everglades and Indian River areas.

Farm owners who have met verifiable standards of excellence in resource management receive a CARES designation and earn the privilege of posting a sign on their properties identifying them as award winners for their good work. One of the keys to the success of the program involves site visits by public officials who assess the implementation of state-of-the-art resource management techniques at the farm property.

Examples of BMPs include water conservation efforts, animal waste management and the strategic use of fertilizer.

“Farmers have long been good stewards of the land,” Scot Eubanks, assistant director of agricultural policy for Florida Farm Bureau said. “Now with new information and technology available, farmers are able to be even more proactive when it comes to protecting the environment.”

Eubanks said it is important to recognize those involved in the CARES program for their role in maintaining Florida’s natural resources.

“Each of these award recipients deserves our applause and our appreciation for their skilled efforts at managing our natural resources,” said John L. Hoblick, president of Florida Farm Bureau. “We are proud that they exemplify the work of this state’s farmers and ranchers to produce safe, abundant food while being excellent stewards of our land and water.”

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest general-interest agricultural association with about 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the
Federation is an independent, non-profit agricultural organization. More information about
The CARES program is available on the organization’s Web site, http://ThisFarmCares.org

2009 CARES recipients:

Three Star Farms, Ronnie Young, Dover
Strawberry Ranch, Adam Young, Dover
Sydney Farms, Wayne Young, Dover
Glen and Frances Williamson, Dover
Florida Pacific, John Stickles, Dover
* Carroll Brothers Nursery, Harmon, Richard and Robert Carroll, Clearwater
* Riverview Flower Farm, Rick and Dave Brown, Wimauma
Suncoast Plant Nursery, Roger Newton, Plant City
Butler Tree Farm, Joel Butler, Lakeland
* Aquatica Tropicals, Marty Tanner, Plant City
* Sun City Tree Farm, Eric, J.C. and Vince Tort, Ruskin
* Tampa Wholesale Nursery, Steve and Roy Davis, Dover

* Commissioner’s Ag Environmental Leadership Award winners