01-10-2002

Florida Department of Agriculture Press Release

Bronson to Host Agricultural Water Policy Meeting in Orlando

   Chuck Aller
   (850) 488-3022

Bronson to Host Agricultural Water Policy Meeting in Orlando

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will host
a meeting with state legislators, Water Management District officials,
agriculture producers, state and federal agency heads and university
researchers to discuss the development of an Agricultural Water Policy for
Florida.

The meeting, which will take place Thursday, January 17, from 1:30 p.m.
until 4:30 p.m. at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Orlando, is a follow up
discussion to the Agricultural Water Supply Summit hosted by Commissioner
Bronson at Marco Island last July.

"I am looking forward to continuing this unique opportunity for dialogue
between the top decision makers from Florida's water resource management
agencies and agricultural producers," Bronson said. "I am very encouraged
that our excellent discussion in Marco Island about maintaining an adequate
and reliable agricultural water supply can be taken to the next level of
developing an Agricultural Water Policy for our state."

The meeting will cover such topics as the availability and allocation of
water for agricultural use, as well as Best Management Practices for water
conservation and water quality protection. A key concept from the Marco
Island meeting that will be explored in Orlando is the need to develop
urban and rural partnerships to solve regional water problems.

"A viable agricultural industry is essential to the overall quality of life
and environmental health of our state," Bronson said. "The development of
this Water Policy will be a significant part of assuring that future."

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http://doacs.state.fl.us/press/01102002.html