Live And Learn
Through education and dedication, farmers have worked to become the upstanding citizens of environmental stewardship. Best management practices, new technology, better irrigation equipment, and a slew of unique sustainable solutions all have helped growers exponentially in implementing inputs more efficiently.
In addition, concepts like water farming continue to gain more ground. Recently, the South Florida Water Management District approved a three-year water farming pilot project to store excess water on fallow farmland before it can flow to the St. Lucie River and Estuary. The pilot project, with the help of a Martin County citrus operation, should provide vital information on the idea of retaining stormwater on citrus land.
While this development didn’t receive the lauding the more dire-angled stories received, it was well worth noting. Just think what kind of shape our waterways would be in without the efforts of farmers.
Leading By Example
In late December, the Florida citrus community lost a friend and leader in Stan Carter. The longtime grove manager for McArthur Farms not only was a proud producer of the “world’s finest fruit,” but also a staunch supporter of water conservation. Long before it became commonplace among growers, Stan sung the praises of BMPs and their benefits. Thankfully, many producers have followed his lead. Hopefully, many more will carry on. There really is no other choice.
Growers know full well what they put in the ground has an effect on what comes out of it. And though articles and TV news segments can have slants to them, studies and their results don’t lie. Environmental awareness is at an all-time high among the ag community. That is a good thing. So is the scrutiny.