(L-R) John Hoblick (Farm Bureau President), Lars Hagstrom, Cacee Hilliard (FDACS), and Stacey Simmons (FDACS).
The County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program was created in 2001 to publicly recognize Florida farmers and ranchers who demonstrate exemplary efforts to protect Florida’s natural resources by implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). The Hagstrom family have been growing cut green for over five consecutive generations in Florida.
This year, Lars Hagstrom accepted the award on behalf of the family as a CARES designation in the form of a sign. This sign displays to all Floridians a producer’s commitment to protecting Florida’s environment. Stacey Simmons, an FDACS staff member recommended Lars Hagstrom Ferneries to be recognized for the CARES program. For more information, visit the Contact page here on the CARES website and/ or contact Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES Coordinator.
CARES is a voluntary program that recognizes Florida farmers and ranchers who have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) to protect Florida’s natural resources.
To be eligible for CARES recognition a producer must have accomplished the following process:
Step 1:
A producer signs a Letter of Intent with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Policy (OAWP) to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs). Contact your local UF/IFAS Extension agent or click here to identify FDACS staff in your area who can enroll your operation in BMPs: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Agricultural-Water-Policy/Organization-Staff
Step 2:
A producer plans and then implements FDACS BMPs on their farm/ranch for an identified duration. To review the BMP Manual in which you will select and plan your individual BMP program from, click below: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Water/Agricultural-Best-Management-Practices
Step 3:
An FDACS OAWP staff member will verify the producer is properly following the planned BMPs.
Step 4:
A producer commits to implementing BMPs as part of a regular/ integral part of their operation and environmental stewardship plan.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation
In addition, Florida Farm Bureau Federation membership is not required but is highly encouraged as the organization advocates for all of Florida’s farming and ranching families at the local, state and national level. To inquire about membership: Click here to join!
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