“

”

Farmers CARE for the LandBy Jared Lanier, Florida Farm Bureau

Just as parents care for their children with hopes that they will grow up and give back

to society, farmers care for the land so in return it will give back to feed their family and yours. Farmers are the stewards of the land, conserv-ing resources to protect the future of production agriculture in Florida.

Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself.” He had the vision to see the importance of being a good steward of the land.

Florida farmers are recognized by a distinctive program established in 2001 to award and promote environmental stewardship. This program, known as the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES), was founded by Florida Farm Bureau as a way to thank farmers who go above and beyond taking care of the land they farm. Its mission is to promote environmentally sound farming practices while educating the public on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

Throughout the last 14 years, the CARES program has recognized more than 600 farmers in 30 counties across Florida. To be nominated for a CARES award, a farmer must voluntarily implement what is known as Best Management Practices (BMPs).

BMPs are developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and then approved by agricultural producers, industry groups, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the water management districts. BMPs are guidelines that advise producers on how to manage the water, nutrients and crop protection materials they are using to reduce agriculture’s impact on the state’s natural resources.

Once farmers have demonstrated BMPs have been implemented, they are awarded the CARES distinction by Florida Farm Bureau for their leading environmental efforts.

The CARES program recognizes an average of 60 recipients each year and has been steadily

growing. Farms recognized produce blueberries, cattle, citrus, corn, cotton, hay, horses, milk, squash, strawberries, sugar, timber, watermelons and many other abundant commodities that are sold in your local grocery store and to foreign markets.

Agriculture surrounds the Tampa Bay area. With more than 25 percent of Hillsborough County being farm land, preserving this farm land and working with farmers on the implementation of BMPs, not only benefits the farmers but the local community. Some of the top commodities grown in Hillsborough County include strawberries, vegetables, beef cattle and citrus.

The CARES program does more than recognize farmers with a certificate and a sign to display on their farms. It is an appreciation for the never-ending work that is involved with farming and caring for the land.

So the next time you see a farmer say thank you for conserving our natural resources.

Visit thisfarmcares.org to learn more about the program.