Agriculture confab set Monday

Agriculture confab set Monday    Florida officials concerned about agriculture issues that could affect the future of the industry will hold a special meeting Monday to discuss solutions at the state level.
   Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson will host the meeting in Kissimmee. The meeting will also include state legislators and agriculture experts, and is intended to attract ideas from farmers, ranchers, and agriculture producers, as well.
   “While agriculture has been a lifeblood of the state’s economy since pioneer days and remains the second-largest industry in our state today, it is facing unprecedented challenges in remaining economically viable as we move forward, including development pressures, foreign competition, pest and disease problems, the availability of adequate water resources and the impact of devastating hurricanes,” Bronson said.
   The meeting was the idea of incoming Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Marco Rubio, who asked Bronson to come forward with legislative proposals to assure the viability of the industry in the future.
   Bronson will be joined by State Rep. Marty Bowen of Winter Haven and Dr. Jimmy Cheek, senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources at the University of Florida. Bronson said they be seeking ideas that lend themselves to legislative solutions.
   The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Florida Cattleman’s Association’s offices, 800 Shakerag Road.