Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, offered the following statements on votes at today’s Cabinet meeting:
Items 13-14, Rural and Family Lands Program Conservation Easements: “The Rural and Family Lands Program has been one of my top priorities in these past two legislative sessions. This program in our department is so critical to conserving and protecting our natural lands and waterways. I’m proud of it because we know farmers and ranchers can be important conservation partners to the state. They can really complement our efforts to make sure future generations can enjoy the same clean water, air, wildlife, and outdoors they deserve. These projects today in Okeechobee and Highlands Counties are important to that mission – managed by our Florida Forest Service, they are large working cattle ranches managed by the same families for generations. These lands include a critical watershed area, habitats for endangered species, and are a fantastic example of how state and federal partnerships can benefit our environment. I’d like to thank the U.S. Air Force for their commitments to these projects. With the proper support, the Rural and Family Lands Program will help conserve these lands for many years to come.”
Items 15-18, Submerged Lands Aquaculture Leases: “I’m pleased to approve these aquaculture leases for oyster farming in Volusia, Gulf, Levy, and Indian River Counties. As we continue to expand aquaculture on both coasts, we’re adding more sustainable food sources, we’re protecting our food supply, supporting thousands of jobs, and strengthening our Florida-grown seafood industry.”
As the meeting concluded, Commissioner Fried also reiterated her request that the Governor activate the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program to help small businesses harmed by Hurricane Sally, including small agricultural entities. Fried traveled to the Florida Panhandle on Sunday and met with 50 North Florida farmers impacted by the Category 2 storm.
