Both environmental and agriculture issues have been very important to AIF members as they have a direct correlation to many of Florida’s key industries. Environmental laws impact almost every Florida business directly or indirectly. Agriculture is one of Florida’s main industries, which is why AIF has formed an “Environmental and Agriculture Sustainability Council.” We must be good stewards of our land and water resources and AIF and its members will lead the way in protecting those resources.
AIF SUPPORTS funding science-based programs and projects to improve the water quality and water quantity of Florida’s major first-magnitude springs. Florida has an outstanding water quality tool box with the Total Maximum Daily Load Program and the requirements for Minimum Flows and Levels. We support legislation that will use these science-based techniques on a water body specific basis, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. We support reasonable deadlines to implement these programs by state and water management districts. We support Governor Scott’s proposed $55 million funding for the Springs Recovery efforts. We endorse efforts by farmers to use “Best Management Practices” developed by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a means of reducing the impact of their operations on the environment.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation which allows land owners to continue to have their property classified as “agricultural” if they are participating in a water retention program sponsored by a water management district. AIF, through its Florida H20 Coalition, has supported legislative efforts to increase Florida’s water supply. AIF also endorses efforts to allow the owners of a surface water storage project which provides water resource benefits to be eligible for a consumptive use permit for 50 years. Water retention and storage are vital to expanding Florida’s water supply.
AIF SUPPORTS state funding for research into the causes and cure of citrus greening disease. The citrus business is a significant player in the state’s agricultural industry and has been faced with a series of challenges over the last decade.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation that requires all mandatory and optional elements of a comprehensive plan by a board of county commissioners be adopted by a simple majority vote.
AIF SUPPORTS state funding for alternative water supply projects.
When planning for Florida’s future, the state must have an adequate supply of water. Unless we begin to fund and build new water infrastructure that provides a sufficient amount of water to all users, we will not be in a position to meet future demand. It is worth remembering that it takes seven years to plan, design, build and permit a major new water facility. Experts have consistently told us that alternative water supply projects are the state’s best bet to achieve water security. This means reclaimed water projects, desalination plants, aquifer storage and recovery, reservoirs, water conservation, and similar tools. Those states with adequate water supply will have a head start on economic development and jobs in the future.
AIF OPPOSES any “bottle bill” legislation to help pay for recycling efforts.
This tax is unnecessary as a majority of Florida’s cities and counties have an excellent curbside recycling program. Forcing Florida’s families to pay even more at a store with no real improvement in our environment does not make economic or environmental sense, especially in these challenging times.
AIF SUPPORTS Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s request for additional funds for the new agricultural water planning program.
Until last year, the state’s five water management districts collected and determined the amount of water used by Florida farmers. Several of the districts used different methodology and models to determine water usage. In 2012, DACS studied an area in Central Florida and came up with more accurate data then previous efforts. Due to these results, the FDEP and water management districts agreed to let DACS be responsible for the statewide collection of agricultural water use. The legislature agreed and passed a bill with funding last session to authorize this change. Governor Scott signed it. The additional funding reflects the need for implementing such a program.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation addressing the labyrinth of inconsistent, unscientific and arbitrary county and municipal ordinances related to the fertilization of urban turf, lawns, and landscapes. Educated, trained and certified fertilizer applicators should be permitted to practice their trade without fear of being regulated out of existence.
AIF will also engage in environmental issues by:
AIF will lead the way in efforts to enact common sense fertilizer use policies that will ensure that our environment is protected and our businesses are able to operate without having to navigate through a patchwork of confusing local government ordinances.
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