Putnam pushes environmental policy during Sarasota visit

Increasing access to fruits and vegetables, focusing on Florida seafood and energy producing crops other than corn top the list of priorities for Congressman Adam Putnam in his bid to make a career change.

Putnam, 36, R-Bartow, wants voters to choose him as Florida's next agriculture commissioner, one of four state cabinet posts.

"There's a lot more we could do on renewable energy," Putnam said during a campaign stop at Mote Marine Laboratory. "Not corn, which is an inefficient method, but really devoted crops for the production of ethanol and electricity that with our year-round growing season Florida is best poised to lead the way on renewable energy."

Each week farmer's markets deliver more locally raised produce to more people except in areas Putnam calls "food deserts."

"We've already reached out to a major foundation called Wholesome Wave that would expand availability of fresh fruits and vegetables to low income communities," he said.

Putnam calls his push for healthier eating in poor areas one of his "significant platforms."

He wants to double the value of public assistance dollars, such as food stamps, when it comes to fresh produce. "So those in our society in need of healthier diets would be able to stretch their dollars and buy twice as much fresh fruits and vegetables."

"The commissioner of agriculture office has been stereotyped over time into sort of being the farmer in chief," Putnam said.

But that's not all. He said agriculture includes aquaculture.

And his visit to Mote tied in with his recently released environmental pledge to stay on top of the long-term impacts from the gulf oil spill.

Putnam said it is the key in order to ensure continued consumer confidence in Florida seafood.

"As much as everyone wants to just close this dark chapter in our history and move on, we can't allow that to happen," he said.

Putnam faces Democrat Scott Maddox, Tea Party candidate Ira Chester and independent Thad Hamilton in the general election.