State budget includes $400,000 to improve oyster production through reef restoration in Apalachicola Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Erin Gillespie May 3, 2013 (850) 617-7737 Commissioner Putnam Thanks Legislature for Funding to Support Agriculture and Protect Florida’s Land, Water and Wildlife Department’s Budget Allows State to Fight Citrus Greening, Support Water Supply Planning, Protect Land from Wildfires Tallahassee, FL – Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam recognized the House and Senate today for passing a budget that will allow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to continue in its mission to support Florida’s $100 billion agriculture industry, protect natural resources and maintain a consistent water supply. “This budget will help us in our battle against citrus greening, an existential threat to Florida’s signature crop,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It will also allow us to work with partners across the state to accurately and consistently estimate our water needs so that we can ensure an adequate water supply for future generations.” The budget includes $9.5 million to support research and the fight against citrus greening. The majority – $8 million – is for research while the remaining is to expand budwood and germplasm facilities and to respond to citrus pests. Citrus greening is a bacterial disease that has spread to every citrus-producing county in the state and inhibits trees’ ability to produce fruit.  Florida’s citrus industry has a $9 billion impact on the state’s economy, covers 550,000 acres and employs about 76,000 people statewide. “Reps. Seth McKeel, Steve Crisafulli and Ben Albritton, along with Sens. Joe Negron, Denise Grimsley and Alan Hays were all instrumental in ensuring the department has the funding to save this critical industry,” said Commissioner Putnam. “In addition, these five legislators worked diligently to provide the department with funding to maintain a consistent water supply, help restore the Everglades and protect our state and our citizens from wildfires.” Some other highlights from the department’s budget: Water supply planning: $1 million to implement water supply planning as outlined in S.B. 948, which directs the department to partner with statewide Water Management Districts to have consistent estimates on agricultural water needs. Everglades: $9 million to support Everglades restoration by treating agricultural storm-water runoff through public-private partnerships and $3 million to implement Best Management Practices in the Northern Everglades. Giant African Land Snails: Continued funding of $3.6 million to eradicate Giant African Land Snails in South Florida. These invasive snails pose a serious health risk to humans and have the potential to devastate Florida agriculture. Wildfire prevention: The Florida Forest Service received about $4 million in appropriations to upgrade technology and equipment to enable them to continue protecting Florida’s land and citizens from wildfires. The Florida Forest Service manages more than 1 million acres of public forest land while protecting 26 million acres of homes, forestland and natural resources from the devastating effects of wildfire. Oyster restoration: As part of H.B. 7125, the department will receive $400,000 to improve oyster production through reef restoration in Apalachicola Bay, where the famed oyster beds have been devastated. Rep. Jake Raburn and Sens. Jeff Brandes and Bill Montford led this effort. For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visitwww.FreshFromFlorida.com. ###

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