Environmental News & Issues

Twenty-nine Suwannee River Basin farmers and ranchers were recognized for their superior natural resource stewardship during the 8th Annual CARES dinner held at the Dwight Stansel farm in Suwannee County on July 1.

These agricultural producers have implemented verifiable state-of-the-art management strategies known as Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their properties in the basin.

CARES – the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship – was initiated by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership to highlight efforts made by farm owners who exemplify superior management of natural resources in the Suwannee River Basin. The partnership includes more than 60 local, regional, state and federal agencies, as well as private businesses and organizations. Farmers who achieve standards of excellence by adopting BMPs earn a CARES designation and the privilege of posting a sign on their properties identifying them as award winners for their good work.

“Farmers are the first environmentalists,” said John Hoblick, president of Florida Farm Bureau. “Each of these award recipients deserves our applause and our appreciation for their skilled efforts at managing our natural resources. Florida Farm Bureau is proud that they exemplify the work of this state’s farmers and ranchers to produce safe, abundant food while being excellent stewards of our land and water.”

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general-interest agricultural association with about 140,000 member-families statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, the Federation is an independent, non-profit agricultural organization. More information about Florida Farm Bureau is available on the organization’s Web site, http://ThisFarmCares.org. For photos of this event click here.