Here are headlines concerning agriculture from today’s Florida Legislative session provided to us by THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA:
Contact newsserviceflorida.com
PANEL EDITS OUT FARM PHOTO BAN: The Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday turned out the lights on a proposal aimed at preventing people from secretly taking pictures on farms. With the proposal causing controversy, the committee removed it from a broader agriculture bill (SB 1184). The proposal was aimed primarily at animal-rights groups that might try to document the treatment of animals on farms without receiving permission. Supporters of the proposal, which was approved earlier this month in a House committee, have said it would protect private property rights and prevent misunderstandings and potential espionage. The Senate committee voted 7-0 to approve the rest of SB 1184, which deals with issues such as stormwater-management fees, citrus-harvesting equipment and animal feed.
BEEKEEPING BILL BUZZES ALONG: A Senate committee Monday approved a bill that would put beekeeping out of the reach of local rules and regulations. The bill (SB 1132) would limit oversight of beekeeping to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and prevent cities and counties from imposing restrictions on such things as the location of honeybee colonies. Sponsor Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, said the bill comes after some local governments have approved ordinances in “kneejerk reaction” to beekeeping. “We do need uniform, statewide standards,” Hays said. The Florida League of Cities expressed concerns, but the Senate Agriculture Committee voted 7-0 to approve the measure.
AGRITOURISM GETS COMMITTEE NOD: Despite objections from cities and counties, the Senate Agriculture Committee on Monday approved a bill that would prevent local regulation of “agritourism” on farm land. The Senate Agriculture Committee voted 6-1 to approve the measure (SB 1496), sponsored by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker. Agritourism can involve a variety of activities, such as farms offering tours and educational activities. But Stephen James, a lobbyist for the Florida Association of Counties, said his group is concerned that the bill is overly broad. For example, he said some farm land is close to densely populated areas and that problems could arise if owners wanted to hold festivals that could affect such things as parking.