AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE HITS THE GROUND RUNNING

SENATOR MONTFORD ADDRESSES WATER ISSUES AND BEAR POPULATION

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture, led by State Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) hosted a meeting today to tackle some of the biggest issues facing Florida. 

First on the agenda, the committee addressed water policies and Amendment 1 to Florida’s Constitution and how that will affect agricultural programs.  “Amendment 1 is a game-changer for water policy in the state,” said Montford.  “Agriculture will be heavily impacted by any potential reforms and I welcomed the opportunity to hear from the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services about their role as we move forward.”

Next the committee received an update on the Apalachicola River Basin and Bay.  The committee heard from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the environmental impacts of the Commercial Fisheries Failure, as well as from the Department of Economic Opportunity about the financial impacts.  “Apalachicola is still suffering from the decrease in available seafood as a result of a lack of sufficient fresh water,” said Montford.  “I am encouraged to see agencies work together to improve Apalachicola’s future, but I will not be satisfied until I am confident residents no longer wonder about their children’s next meal.” 

Finally, the Committee heard from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about Florida’s wild bear population.  Montford said, “We have seen an increase in the number of visible bears in Florida, as well as an increase in bear attacks.  Floridians need to be free to travel around their communities without fear and this update will help to ensure that.” The Committee was last updated on this subject a year ago and Chairman Montford asked for another update as a result of recent bear attacks.  

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