Sunshine Farmers Market


Protection of Florida’s unique environment and stewardship of agricultural lands are top priorities for Florida farmers. Successful farming depends on proper management of Florida’s natural resources. Agricultural practices can be sustainable and environmentally compatible for farmers to continue to produce safe, affordable and abundant products.


Producer Profile

First Year CARES Award Recipient Follows in Father's Footsteps

First Year CARES Award Recipient Follows in Father's Footsteps

Live Oak, Florida farmer William Carte, continues to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) after his father, Thomas Carte, earned a County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) award in 2001.

“We have a
responsibility
to take care of this land,
We own it but it’s not ours.”


Environmental News & Issues

Update from the Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP)

Agriculture Industry Accomplishments to date include:

• Almost 3 million acres of Ag lands statewide are now enrolled in BMP programs
• 826,840 acres of Ag lands were enrolled in BMP programs in FY 2010-11
• Results of the OAWP’s BMP Implementation Assurance program to follow up on the operation and maintenance of BMP showed that:  vegetable and row crop growers who responded to a survey collectively are implementing close to 100% of the surveyed BMPs applicable to their operations;  in the Lake Okeechobee Watershed, 83% of the 41 operations visited received an overall Satisfactory rating on nutrient management, irrigation management, and structural BMPs; in the Suwannee River basin, more than 90% of the 123 dairy and poultry operations visited received a Satisfactory rating on manure, litter, and/or waste management.

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Northern Everglades farmers to receive accolades for environmental stewardship Oct. 8

Northern Everglades farmers to receive accolades for environmental stewardship Oct. 8

Twenty farmers and ranchers will be honored on Oct. 8 for their
environmental stewardship at the Okeechobee County Agri-Civic Center.

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Tampa Bay CARES program to recognize environmental stewardship by farmers and growers

Tampa Bay CARES program to recognize environmental stewardship by farmers and growers

Twelve Tampa Bay growers will be recognized for their superior natural
resource stewardship during the first-ever Tampa Bay CARES dinner that
will be held during the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau’s annual
meeting on Oct. 1.

 

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Events & Workshops

Here are some upcoming CARES events.