Florida Farm Bureau expresses appreciation for state’s fast action on freeze

CONTACT: Rod Hemphill, director, Public Relations 352-374-1516
Kathy Richardson, manager, Public Relations Programs, 352-374-1533

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAINESVILLE, FLA. - Florida Farm Bureau Federation today lauded fast action by Gov. Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson which will help Florida’s agricultural producers to respond to potentially freezing temperatures tonight and tomorrow. Commissioner Bronson announced some highway restrictions have been eased to enable producers to quickly harvest and transport crops that are vulnerable to freezing conditions.

“We appreciate the action taken by our state officials in anticipation of the freeze,” said John L. Hoblick, president of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general agricultural organization. “Relaxing the restrictions on trucking will help our state’s growers at a time of year when Florida is producing most of the nation’s domestic fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Florida Governor Charlie Crist declared of a state of emergency on New Year’s Eve, issuing an Executive Order that directs the state Department of Transportation to relax the weight, height, length and width restrictions for commercial vehicles transporting vulnerable crops to processing sites. The order remains in effect for 14 days unless extended by the governor.

Under the executive order, truckers must carry with them the permit letter issued by the Florida Department of Transportation. The letter can be obtained at most sites where truckers are picking up their loads. It is also posted on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services web site at http://www.doacs.state.fl.us and on the Florida Department of Transportation web site at http://www.fdotmaint.com/permit.

Florida producers are preparing for predicted freezing temperatures by escalating harvest activities and preparing to take protective measures. Farmers will use irrigation systems to create a layer of ice on trees and plants.

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, nonprofit agricultural organization. More information about Florida Farm Bureau is available on the organization’s website, http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.

Related article:
http://www.florida-agriculture.com/news/01-02-08.htm