Florida agriculture calls for override of vetoes

Twenty-three organizations representing Florida farmers and ranchers today called on House and Senate leaders to lead the Legislature in overriding Gov. Charlie Crist’s vetoes of legislation that they consider critical to the continued success of Florida’s agricultural industry. On May 15, Gov. Crist vetoed HB 981 and HB 7103, each of which would have enacted initiatives that are priorities of Florida farmers and ranchers and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The agricultural group has delivered letters asking for the overrides to President Jeff Atwater and Speaker Larry Cretul.

"Should the governor call the Legislature into special session, we are asking House Speaker Larry Cretul and Senate President Jeff Atwater to lead their respective houses to override these vetoes,” said John L. Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “The vetoes run counter to the interests of farmers and ranchers, as well as the expressed will of the Legislature.”

Both bills passed the House and Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support. HB 981 protects greenbelt classification and states that the mere act of offering agricultural land for sale neither constitutes a primary use of the land nor serve as the basis for denying an agricultural classification so long as the land remains in agricultural activity while being offered for sale. The bill also addresses concerns brought to the attention of the legislature by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service regarding consistent regulation of pesticides applied to waters for purposes such as mosquito and noxious weed control.

HB 7103 prohibits county governments from imposing stormwater fees on properties that are already regulated by National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits, water management district environmental resources permits or best management practices. Agriculturists believe it unjust for counties to impose stormwater ordinance fees on landowners who have already collectively invested hundreds of millions of dollars to clean up their stormwater. HB 7103 would also require new development that will abut or envelope existing agricultural land to affirmatively acknowledge the fact that the development is “moving in” next to a farm.

Two-thirds of Florida’s total land area is devoted to forests, farms, cropland and ranches. Agriculture, natural resources and related industries account for $163 billion in total revenue impacts (2008 figures). About 13.7 percent of the state’s full- or part-time jobs are related to the industry.

“The governor should be doing all he can to protect and promote agriculture, the state’s second largest and most stable industry, instead of vetoing measures aimed at strengthening it,” Hoblick said.

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AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTING CALL FOR OVERRIDE

Florida Aquaculture Association – (863) 293-5710

Florida Cattlemen’s Association – (407) 846-6221

Florida Citrus Mutual – (863) 682-1111

Florida Citrus Packers – (863) 682-0151

Florida Crystals – (877) 835-2828

Florida Farm Bureau Federation – (352) 374-1545

Florida Farm Credit – (386) 462-4201

Florida Forestry Association – (850) 222-5646

Florida Land Council – (850) 222-7535

Florida Peanut Producers Association – (850) 526-2590

Florida Poultry Federation – (850) 402-2930

Florida Pulp & Paper Association – (850) 224-1215

Florida Sod Growers Cooperative – (863) 675-2144

Florida Strawberry Growers Association – (813) 752-6822

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association – (352) 629-2160

Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association  - (863) 293-4827

Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association – (321) 214-5200

Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association - (407) 295-7994

Gulf Citrus Growers Association – (863) 675-2180

Indian River Citrus League – (800) 435-5727

Peace River Valley Citrus Growers Association – (863) 494-0061

Southeast Milk Inc. – (800) 598-7866

Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative – (561) 996-5556