Sunshine Farmers Market


About CARES


Posted December 21st, 2007 by mchiaro
The Voice of Florida Agriculture
What CARES Can Do For You
  • Protect your land while maintaining your profits.
  • Document positive environmental practices on your farm.
  • Reduce your input expenses.
  • Protect ground water from contamination.
  • Give you access to financial and technical assistance.
  • Improve relations among farmers, your neighbors and communities.
  • Enhance wildlife habitats.

The CARES program was implemented in 2001 to promote environmentally sound and economically viable farming. It focuses on recognizing producers who have voluntarily implemented BMPs on their operations.

CARES was first introduced in conjunction with the Suwannee River Partnership and later extended into the Santa Fe River Basin . Florida Farm Bureau is developing similar CARES initiatives in other areas of the state where it is important that agricultural producers are positively recognized for their environmental stewardship. It also serves as a public relations tool demonstrating to the public that the agriculture industry is actively involved in utilizing sound environmental management.

CARES brings agricultural associations, public agencies, institutions and farmers together to increase environmental awareness. CARES is a county-based program open to all farmers. It is completely voluntary and industry participation may help avoid more stringent regulation. Florida Farm Bureau believes that this program will demonstrate that voluntary BMP programs are an effective means of improving water quality.

Would you like additional information about the CARES Program?
Please contact Andrew Walmsley, Environmental Services Coordinator, at 352-378-8100 ext. 1108 or email.