University of FloridaUF/IFAS

Goal I: Situation Statement

The scope of challenges facing agriculture and natural resource industries of Florida fall into four primary areas: 1) economic well-being, 2) environmental issues, 3) quality, safety and security issues, and 4) civic engagement.

Economic Well-Being

  1. Declining profitability due to stable or falling commodity prices and increasing cost of production.
  2. Liberalized trade agreements that reduce tariffs and subsidies can benefit both foreign and domestic producers by having greater access to markets.
  3. Resource limitations resulting from
    1. Land loss due to urban sprawl,
    2. Increased water consumption due to population growth,
    3. Restricted use of farm inputs due to environmental concerns, and
    4. Reduced availability of labor due to a growing reliance on migrant labor.
  4. New and innovative products and processing technologies must be developed for the industry to remain competitive and to adequately meet the rising expectations of consumers.

Environmental Issues

Public concern over the following environmental issues has translated into increasingly stringent and costly environmental regulations on certain agricultural practices that can adversely affect a firm’s economic viability in the short run and sustainability in the longer run.

  1. Water quality, as impacted by agricultural production practices, such as fertilizer and pesticide residue leaching and runoff, and management of waste from livestock and aquaculture production,
  2. Water availability as impacted by production-related surface and groundwater withdrawals,
  3. Conservation of the state's natural resource base, including land for production, wildlife habitat, green space, and fresh and saltwater recreation.

Quality, Safety and Security Issues

  1. A heightened awareness by agricultural producers and processors concerning safe production practices such as chemical residues, biological safety concerns, and personal hygiene practices.
  2. Continued development of modern processing, distribution and storage, technologies and the use of improved handling practices that prevent unnecessary food losses while simultaneously ensuring high quality and safety standards;
  3. Availability of a wide range of wholesome foods that meet the needs of an increasingly unhealthy population;
  4. At the retail sector, adequate packaging and labeling so that consumers have reliable information to optimize their food choices;
  5. Development and implementation of food safety and security programs that protect the nation’s food supply, and;
  6. Providing adequate information to the state and country’s farm laborers who support agriculture to help them avoid dangers from equipment and exposure to farm chemicals that pose a number of potential risks to their health and safety.

Civic Engagement

Awareness of agriculture and natural resources and their contribution to the state's economic, environmental, and social well-being. Agricultural awareness efforts can create an informed voting public so that wise choices can be made that benefit Florida's citizens and visitors. The scope of these issues includes:

  1. Educating the public regarding the role and importance of agriculture in Florida’s economy, the stewardship of natural resources, and the relationship between agricultural production and food availability.
  2. Keeping legislators up-to-date on industry concerns, such as pesticide regulations, worker protection standards, immigration, and international trade.
  3. Providing public interest groups and the media with objective information regarding the contributions of the agricultural industry,
  4. Developing information and programs that educate the industry regarding new information on such topics as Best Management Practices, regulatory legislation, and technological advancements.
  5. Assisting the industry to promote the numerous benefits of agriculture.

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