SB 1310-Relating to Agriculture
On Wednesday, February 17th, SB 1310, relating to Agriculture, by Senator Travis Hutson (R-Palm Coast) was heard today before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government  and passed with 6 yeas and 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this bill.

SB 1310 modifies provisions in several areas within the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Specifically, the bill:

• Provides sole authority to the DACS to regulate the burning of agricultural crops on land classified as agricultural;
• Allows agricultural lands currently assessed at a de minimis value of up to $50 per acre for property tax purposes due to participation in a state or federal eradication or quarantine program to be replanted and retain the de minimis value for a period of five years;
• Preempts regulatory authority for commercial feed and feedstuff to the DACS;
• Establishes specific penalties enforceable at the state level, including enhanced penalties under certain circumstances for persons knowingly dealing in any manner with plant pests, or introducing or releasing plant pests in this state without a special permit from the DACS;
• Authorizes the DACS to seek reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in its plant pest control or eradication program;
• Allows livestock grazing on “conservation easements” if such activity is a current or historic use on the site and is conducted in accordance with best management practices adopted by the DACS.

This bill will now go to Senate Appropriations Committee for a hearing.

AIF supports legislation that will authorize DACS to provide for the best management practices for Florida’s farming community.