My Vision for the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
The Commissioner of Agriculture has two major roles – both are vitally important to Floridians:
- √ Voting member of the Florida Cabinet, and
- √ Chief executive of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services operates with a budget of more than $300 million and thousands of staff to safeguard consumers and support Florida agriculture by:
- Inspecting and testing the safety and quality of food and other consumer products and services.
- Protecting and informing consumers from and about unfair and deceptive business practices and resolving complaints.
- Working with farmers to produce safe and abundant food and promote Florida farm products.
- Conserving and protecting agricultural and natural resources by reducing wildfires, promoting sustainable practices including preventing pollution and promoting land and water conservation.
- Managing public lands including state forests and helping with management of private forest lands.
The Commissioner of Agriculture, as a member of the Cabinet, votes and makes decisions about:
- Protection and uses of Florida's millions of acres of public lands and water.
- Local and regional decisions about development and protection of land, water and ecosystems.
As Commissioner of Agriculture I will provide leadership for food, water, energy and consumers.
Food – Farming and forestry is important to Florida's economy. Florida farms can help feed the world's growing population, provide forest products, and fresh, locally grown food. As Commissioner I will work with farmers and distributors toward production of safe and healthy food and profitable agriculture.
Water – Private land, mostly farms or forests, comprises nearly every major Florida watershed. The health of our rivers, lakes, springs, groundwater and coastal estuaries, as well as our water supply, depends on how water is managed and used on private lands. As Commissioner I will be Florida's strongest proponent of water conservation and protection of water quality.
Energy – Abundant sunshine, fertile land and water make Florida the perfect place for renewable energy. We can supply much of our own energy needs – both electricity and fuel – on private and public lands. As Commissioner I will be Florida's number one advocate for clean and renewable energy.
Consumers – I will work every day to enforce our laws to protect Florida consumers.