SB 290 – Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

On Thursday, February 19th, SB 290 by Senator Keith Truenow (R-Tavares) was read for a final time on the Senate Floor and subsequently passed with 28 Yays and 0 Nays. AIF stood in support of this legislation.
 
This bill enhances Florida’s approach on regulating the agriculture industry. The bill creates the Farmers Feeding Florida Program to ensure native, local ingredients are broadly available around the state. The bill also preempts local governments from passing ordinances that prohibit or restrict gas-powered equipment used on lawns or agricultural lands.

SB 290 will now go to the House for further consideration. 

AIF supports promoting Florida’s agricultural community and protecting those who choose to work on agricultural lands from unfair local ordinances that can change business practices and make working lands unaffordable.