Commissioner of Agriculture
www.freshfromflorida.com 1-800-435-7352
First off, congratulations on yet another successful Fair season. From all indications, the 2013-2014 Fair season was a banner year with small, medium and large Fairs experiencing record or near-record atten- dance. Some Fairs even saw attendance and or revenue growths of up to 10 percent. This growth is not just good news for our Fairs – it points to the broader progress and recovery of Florida.
Besides fun, food and fellowship, Florida’s Fairs provide millions of people a taste of Florida’s rich agricultural heritage. These events, scattered throughout the state, present a unique opportunity for residents and visi- tors to learn more about Florida’s agriculture industry, its impact on the state’s economy and its role in feeding our nation and the world. But the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services does more than simply encourage agriculture education at fairs and livestock shows.
The department is proud to provide more than $200,000 in awards and premiums for deserving youth exhibitors, an important piece in the devel- opment of tomorrow’s agricultural leaders, through 4-H and FFA.
Adam H. Putnam Commissioner
In addition, the department works to grow the number of agriculture education facilities around the state. Specifically, the department helps fair associations, local governments and other entities ap- ply for state funding for the construction of agriculture education and promotion facilities. The de- partment screens and certifies applications, making sure they meet all legal requirements, and sub- mits a list of potential projects to the Florida Legislature for consideration.
This year’s state budget provided $3 million in funding for facilities that will promote and educate Florida’s residents and visitors of agriculture’s impact on our economy, culture and quality of life. Exhibition halls, arenas, civic centers and other capital projects that promote agriculture may qual- ify for these valuable state resources.
Again, thank you for your continued partnership with Florida’s agriculture community and for your efforts to tell our state’s millions of residents and visitors the story of Florida agriculture.
30
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48