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Strawberries A Bright Spot For Florida, Ag Commissioner Says

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By DAVE NICHOLSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 2, 2009

PLANT CITY - Strawberries are one of the success stories in Florida's economic crisis, state Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said today.

Bronson was the keynote speaker at Farm Credit of Central Florida's annual Strawberry Salute breakfast, an event held at Florida Strawberry Festival time for more than 30 years. Bronson said agriculture was doing well despite challenges, including fluctuating fuel costs, and that strawberries are particularly strong.

Most of the nation's winter strawberries are grown on more than 8,000 acres in the Plant City area.

"The brightest spot we have right now is the strawberry industry," he said.

Reggie Holt, president of Farm Credit of Central Florida, said strawberries are one of the largest commodities the lender finances. The farmer-owned cooperative is the state's largest agriculture lender.

In a wide-ranging speech, Bronson also:

• Predicted agriculture would double its economic impact over the next few years as it produces plants such as a variety of sugar cane developed for use in ethanol. He said agriculture's economic impact is $103 billion a year and that agriculture might surpass tourism as the state's top industry.

• Said small farms of five to 10 acres are one of the quickest growing segments of state agriculture.

• Said food safety remains a top priority. He said federal regulators should rely more on state agriculture officials to keep foods safe.

The Farm Credit breakfasts are invitation-only events that attract politicians, farmers, FFA students and teachers, and others. Bronson usually gives the keynote address.

Farm Credit of Central Florida serves 13 counties: Hillsborough, Polk, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Sumter, Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Brevard, Osceola and Lake.

Reporter Dave Nicholson can be reached at (813) 865-4432.

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