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Committee approves agronomic study to evaluate alternative crops for land taken out of production
Summary
The Senate Committee on Agriculture reported SB 178 favorably, creating an agronomic study to be performed by Florida A&M University, subject to appropriation, to assess alternative crops or products for land removed from production for disease or weather reasons.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture on an affirmative roll call reported SB 178, establishing an agronomic study to assess potential alternative crops and products for land taken out of production.
Senator Russon, sponsor of SB 178, told the committee the measure “establishes an agronomic study to be conducted by Florida A and M University, subject to an appropriation, to study and determine whether there exists 1 or more viable crops or products that would provide an economic benefit to growers using current agricultural infrastructure on land that has been taken out of production due to disease and adverse weather conditions.”
The study, as described by Russon, will include environmental impact information, an assessment of each crop’s suitability to Florida’s climate and expected economic benefit to growers and communities, and recommendations for best practices to sustain and improve Florida agriculture.
Committee members did not pose questions during the presentation, and no public appearance cards were submitted on the bill. After brief remarks supporting the value of such studies for the state’s agricultural viability, the sponsor waived closing and the committee clerk called the roll. By the committee’s recorded vote, SB 178 was reported favorably.
Votes at a glance: SB 178 — reported favorably. Roll-call entries recorded during the committee: Senator Bernard — yes; Senator Boyd — yes; Senator Hassan — yes; Vice Chair Graw — yes; Chair (recorded as Churnau/Charnau in the transcript) — yes.
The measure directs an academic assessment and is subject to appropriation; no appropriation amount was specified in the committee record. The bill does not itself appropriate funds and will require further action to fund the study if enacted.
The committee moved on to other agenda items after the vote.
