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Water Shortages Endanger Florida Agriculture

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By HEATHER NEDLEY

Published: February 11, 2008

Updated: 02/10/2008 05:44 pm

The health of the state's economy is at stake if the agriculture industry continues to be threatened by one of the most severe droughts in history. Additionally, industry and high growth rates continue to create increased demand for water.

For the first time, Florida's three largest water management districts have each imposed Phase II or Phase III water restrictions designed to drive home the crucial need for conservation.

The agriculture industry has heeded the call for conservation. Greater efficiencies in irrigation and water management by growers have kept agricultural water use relatively constant for the past 20 years.

In fact, the Agriculture Institute of Florida and other industry bodies encourage responsible water use on every agricultural operation in Florida. Best management practices are in place statewide and recognized by Water Management Districts as agriculture's strict compliance to rules on water quality.

Even so, producers in several regions of the state remain under modified Phase III restrictions, which significantly hamper agricultural productivity.

Much needs to be done to ensure that Florida farms and agricultural operations receive the water needed to preserve the economic viability of the industry and to maintain normal levels of productivity. Agriculture is one of the major economic staples in Florida, along with tourism and construction.

Post-9/11, agriculture was able to help sustain the state's economy when the tourism industry began to slow down. Priority should be given to farmers to guarantee they receive the water needed to maintain the strength of agriculture as a pillar of Florida's economy.

Long-term solutions and agreement on policy are needed to ensure the industry's future as a consistent provider of quality goods and services to consumers worldwide while protecting and preserving our most valuable natural resources.

Heather Nedley is president of the Agriculture Institute of Florida.

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