Florida’s farmers depend on healthy soil and clean water to produce crops. It’s how my family has grown citrus, strawberries and cattle for more than four generations. The quality of our natural resources has a direct impact on our crops and livelihood.
I am a fifth-generation Floridian who was raised by a line of farmers, ranchers and businesspeople. All of them worked to make an honest living off the land to provide for their families. We take great care to protect and preserve the lands and water we rely on to help raise bountiful and healthy crops so that Americans have food.
And we have faced a great deal of challenges in the citrus industry. From freezes to hurricanes to pests and disease, Florida’s citrus growers are consistently battling the odds. But we prove to be strong and resilient, time and time again.
With the ongoing fight to survive the devastation of citrus greening, we can’t let inflexible laws to stand in the way of surviving the challenge. That is why I filed Senate Bill (SB) 1000; a “one-size-fits-all” approach just won’t work.
Research shows that a more efficient approach is necessary for citrus trees that are ravaged from citrus greening. Best management practices (BMPs) currently restrict the site-specific application of nutrients necessary at this time based on the individual farm’s characteristics.
The current recommended application rates for fertilizer are based on the presumption of healthy, regular citrus tree development in Florida. However, we do not live in a perfect world anymore. Nature is inherently imperfect — enter citrus greening disease!
I developed SB 1000 based on sound science and with input from numerous experts. SB 1000 will modernize the laws that govern BMPs to …..
Learn more about A Methodical and Safe Approach to Help Florida Citrus, by Ben Albritton, on the Citrus Industry website.