Family-sized farms in Dade, Broward, Collier and Monroe counties can apply at their local Farm Service Agency office. Morgan accompanied Secretary Glickman on his tour of a lime grove that has been destroyed by authorities due to citrus canker. In February, Florida Farm Bureau hosted the Florida Agricultural Pest and Disease conference, which was a first step toward developing an industry consensus with the state on the growing problems associated with invasive pests and diseases. A draft consensus document is being circulated among participants and will be published within 30 days. Effective exclusion elininates the need for expensive control and eradication efforts.
Adequate funding is required for successful exclusion, detection, control and eradication efforts.
Some mechanism needs to be put in place to rapidly fund emergency control and eradication programs when a specific invasive is detected. Because invasives pose a threat to public health and well-being as well as to natural resources and agricultural production, it is appropriate that the public fund these efforts. The act will provide an improved regulatory framework, eliminating impediments associated with current programs. The public and stakeholders should be better informed regarding the dangers associated with invasives. Penalties should be increased for illegal movement of potential pest species.