Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on Expansion of Gambling in Florida

“What makes Florida special is our world-class natural resources and our international, family-friendly attractions. These resources are what is at stake in this debate about the expansion of gambling in Florida.

Allowing Vegas-style casinos to come to Florida would hinder the state’s future economic development, would threaten the safety and security of our communities and would not benefit Florida’s families.

We should not sell our state short in these difficult economic times and fall for the false promises that come with casino gambling.

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Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Honors America’s Veterans Through “Operation Outdoor Freedom”

Commissioner Putnam Launches Program Inviting Wounded Veterans and
Active Service Members of the U.S. Military to Enjoy Florida State Forests

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service, launched Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service to invite wounded service members and veterans to enjoy recreational activities at Florida State Forests. The program formalizes a Department tradition of hosting wounded service members and veterans at Florida State Forests through a partnership with the Wounded Warrior Project.

“As we recognize the selfless service of American veterans this Veterans’ Day, we are reminded of the men and women who put their lives on the line for a cause greater than themselves,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Operation Outdoor Freedom is a salute to their service.”

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Commissioner Putnam Welcomes South Korean Trade Delegation to Ocala

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Adam Putnam applauds Congress’s recent approval of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama as he welcomes a South Korean trade delegation to Ocala tonight. The new trade partnerships will allow the department to expand current marketing efforts and keep working jobs in the agriculture sector in Florida.

“Florida agricultural commodities are exported to more than 130 nations and 50 have agriculture related imports of more than $10 million annually,” said Commissioner Putnam. “The Free Trade agreements will allow us to continue to focus on promoting Fresh From Florida commodities around the globe.”

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Commissioner Putnam to Visit Mill Creek Elementary School

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will join students and teachers at Mill Creek Elementary School in St. Augustine today to learn more about how they are improving the nutritional value of school lunches. Commissioner Putnam will meet with Elizabeth Binninger, Director of Food and Nutrition for the St. John’s County School District and eat lunch with Mill Creek students.

Details for Commissioner Putnam’s visits are:

Date: TODAY, October 17, 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Mill Creek Elementary
3750 International Golf Parkway
St. Augustine, FL 32092
Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
October 17, 2011
(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Putnam to Visit Mill Creek Elementary School

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will join students and teachers at Mill Creek Elementary School in St. Augustine on Monday to learn more about how they are improving the nutritional value of school lunches. Commissioner Putnam will meet with Elizabeth Binninger, Director of Food and Nutrition for the St. John’s County School District and eat lunch with Mill Creek students.

Details for Commissioner Putnam’s visits are:

Date: Monday, October 17, 2011
Time: 110:00 a.m.
Location: Mill Creek Elementary
3750 International Golf Parkway

St. Augustine, FL 32092

Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
October 14, 2011
(850) 617-7737

Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam On the USDA Citrus Crop Forecast

“The estimate given today by the United State Department of Agriculture for anticipated citrus production this growing season was higher than forecasters expected – meaning more citrus will be available. Heading into the season we have lower juice inventories and I am encouraged by this estimate because it represents a good forecast for both growers and consumers.”

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Commissioner Adam Putnam Calls on Floridians to be Fire Wise During National Fire Prevention Week

TALLAHASSEE – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam encouraged Floridians to be “fire wise” in commemoration of National Fire Prevention Week, October 9 through 15. Established in remembrance of the tragic Great Chicago and Peshtigo of 1871, National Fire Prevention Week serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety in Florida’s forests and wildlands.

Many wildfires occur in the fall, when temperatures are cooler and the relative humidity is lower. “The most effective way to prevent the start and spread of fire is to be careful,” Commissioner Putnam said.

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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation Announce 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

Four Floridians Recognized for Contributions to Agriculture

Tallahassee, FL –Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced today four agricultural leaders in Florida who will be inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame. The Agricultural Hall of Fame recognizes men and women who have made outstanding contributions to the state’s agriculture industry.

“The 2012 Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame inductees were chosen not only because of their commitment to improving their own craft through technology and innovation, but also because of their willingness to share these advancements with the industry as a whole,” said Commissioner Putnam. “I commend each of these Floridians for their contributions to the agriculture industry and our state.”

This year’s inductees include the following:

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Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces $4.3 Million in USDA Specialty Crop Block Grants

Grants Will Fund Florida Projects, Creating New Markets for Agricultural Products

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today more than $4.3 million in Specialty Crop Grants from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will support 23 projects in Florida. The grants will fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of Florida’s specialty crops.

“Through the Specialty Crop Block Grants, we are able to foster creativity and innovation in Florida agriculture,” said Commissioner Putnam. “These projects will, in turn, support the growth of agriculture industry, creating job opportunities for Floridians.”

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The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Forestry Now Bears Its Original Name: Florida Forest Service

Commissioner Putnam, Representative Porter and Jim Karels Reveal New Florida Forest Service Logo

Lake City, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, Representative Elizabeth Porter (R-11) and Jim Karels, Director of the Florida Forest Service, celebrated the new name of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Forestry, the “Florida Forest Service,” today at an appreciation lunch at the Suwannee Forestry Center in Lake City. There, Commissioner Putnam, Representative Porter and Karels revealed the new image of the Florida Forest Service.

“Each day, the men and women of the Florida Forest Service put their lives on the line to protect our natural resources, as well as our businesses, homes and families,” said Commissioner Putnam, speaking before a crowd of members of the newly-renamed Florida Forest Service. “The new name recognizes not only your mission, but also your role as public servants.”

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Statement by Adam Putnam on Newly-Elected RPOF Chairman Lenny Curry

Orlando, FL — Today, members of the Republican Party of Florida elected Lenny Curry as chairman. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam issued the following statement:

“With my friend Lenny Curry at the helm, the Republican Party of Florida is well-positioned to continue to strengthen grassroots, increase momentum and make gains in the 2012 elections.

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Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam on the Ten-Year Anniversary of 9/11

“Ten years ago, our country came under attack by individuals seeking to destroy America and the freedoms we enjoy. But instead of tearing us down, we became stronger in the face of adversity. Brave firefighters, police officers and extraordinary citizens rushed toward danger, sacrificing their own lives to help fellow Americans. Today, I ask that you join me in prayer for the families who lost loved ones far too soon.

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Commissioner Putnam to Visit Petroleum Inspection Lab in Tampa

As Floridians fill up their gas tanks in preparation for the upcoming Labor Day weekend travel, they have little to worry about in regard to the quality of gas sold in Florida. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services ensures the petroleum distributed by gas stations across the state is the quality that consumers expect. Join Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam as he visits the petroleum inspection lab Thursday, August 25, in Tampa.

Date: Thursday, August 25, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Petroleum Inspection Lab
Address: 5911 Breckinridge Parkway, Suite 1
Tampa, FL 33610

The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for conducting inspections at 9,107 retail facilities operating in Florida to ensure consumers are offered quality products at a fair measure.

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Contact: Amanda Bevis
August 24, 2011
(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Putnam to Valrico Elementary School

Commissioner Putnam will visit with Valrico Elementary School staff and students to learn more about how they are incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables in the school lunch program. Commissioner Putnam will serve the vegetable of the day to students and join a few classes for lunch.

Details for Commissioner Putnam’s visit are:

Event: Serve and Eat Lunch with Students at Valrico Elementary School
Date: Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Valrico Elementary School
609 South Miller Road
Valrico, FL 33594
Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
August 23, 2011
(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Putnam to Join Feeding America Tampa Bay in Mobile Food Pantry Distribution

Commissioner Adam Putnam will join Feeding America Tampa Bay tomorrow to distribute food from the Mobile Food Pantry in Tampa and highlight its efforts to bring fresh and wholesome foods to urban core areas.

Feeding America Tampa Bay, in partnership with Florida Association of Food Banks and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, will host a press conference during the food distribution.

Event: Press Conference and Food Distribution with Feeding
America Tampa Bay
Date: Wednesday, August 17
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: University Area Community Development Center
14013 North 22nd Street
Tampa, Florida
Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
August 16, 2011
(850) 617-7737

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: In Case You Missed It – July 15, 2011

Ag in the News

U.S. Senate Panel Gets Earful On Oil Spill Aftermath

Nearly 15 months after the massive BP oil spill blighted the Gulf of Mexico and beaches across the southeast, Florida’s top agriculture official said Monday that an untold number of residents whose livelihoods were disrupted have not yet been compensated. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, along with some Panhandle business owners and fishermen affected by the massive spill, testified at a U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing. U.S. Sens. Mary Landrieu, D-La., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla., requested the hearing to be updated on the long term effects on those affected most by the spill that resulted from a blowout of a wellhead on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig on April 20, 2010. (Associated Press, 7/11)

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Commissioner Putnam Testifies Before U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Regarding Florida’s Gulf Coast Recovery Efforts

Putnam Highlights Economic and Ecological Improvements of the Gulf of Mexico and the Work Ahead to Bring Full Recovery to Gulf Coast Businesses

Pensacola, FL – Commissioner Putnam testified today before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in a field hearing hosted by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Mary Landrieu. During the hearing in Pensacola, Commissioner Putnam addressed the economic and ecological recovery status of the Gulf of Mexico a year after the oil spill.

During his testimony, Commissioner Putnam pointed out the extensive testing conducted by the Department, as well as the “Florida Gulf Safe” marketing campaign currently in place to restore consumer confidence in Florida’s seafood and aquaculture industries.

“Since August 2010, my Department has collected nearly 300 seafood samples,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Nearly all of the samples tested contained no detectable levels of oil contaminants. Of the 300 seafood samples tested, less than 13 percent were found to have any traces of possible oil contaminants whatsoever. All findings of traces were less than 1/1000th of the FDA’s levels of concern. Our testing shows that Florida seafood is safe to eat and has not been impacted by the oil spill.”

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Commissioner Putnam Launches Public Awareness Campaign to Inform Travelers of Risks Associated with Introduction of Harmful Pests and Diseases

In Partnership with USDA and CBP, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Develops “Don’t Pack a Pest”

Miami, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Miami-Dade County, launched the “Don’t Pack a Pest” public awareness campaign today, with a public service announcement, billboards and dioramas on display at the Miami International Airport. The campaign, previewed at a press conference hosted by Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam in Miami this morning, is intended to raise awareness among travelers for the risks associated with the introduction of harmful pests and diseases.

“Don’t Pack a Pest will help us inform travelers about the potential consequences foreign pests or diseases can have on Florida’s agriculture industry and our economy,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It is important for travelers to declare their agricultural products for inspection so that we can protect our nation’s food supply.”

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Interagency Review of Blue Ribbon Fire Outlines Findings and Recommendations

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is Reviewing Recommendations and Will Address Needs of Florida Forest Service

Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Florida Forest Service issued a report today outlining the findings and recommendations of the interagency Incident Review Team following their review of the Blue Ribbon Fire, where firefighters Josh Burch and Brett Fulton were killed while fighting wildfire on June 20, 2011. The report, entitled Blue Ribbon Fire Review, was developed by representatives of the Florida Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service, Georgia Forestry Commission and Office of State Fire Marshal, who worked together to gather all factual information regarding the Florida Forest Service’s response to the Blue Ribbon Fire and to discover and define the environmental, management and human factors that contributed to the tragic incident.

“The Department suffered a great loss with the deaths of Josh and Brett,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam. “This interagency review of the incident is an important first step to understanding how we can protect our firefighters from threats to their health and well-being. The men and women of the Florida Forest Service have one of the most important jobs – keeping our families and our homes safe from the dangers of wildfire. We must do what we can to help keep them safe too.”

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Commissioner Putnam to Testify Before U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will testify before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in Pensacola on Monday, July 11.

During the hearing hosted by U.S. Senators Marco Rubio and Mary Landrieu, Commissioner Putnam will address the economic and ecological recovery status of the Gulf of Mexico a year after the oil spill. More specifically, Commissioner Putnam will address the effects of the oil spill on the seafood and aquaculture industries. He’ll discuss short-term recovery efforts, evaluate necessary actions for long-term recovery of the Gulf and identify areas where the U.S. Congress can best assist those worst impacted by the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

This event is open to the general public.

Event: “A Year After the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: The Status
of Recovery Efforts In Florida”
Hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small
Business and Entrepreneurship Hearing
Date: Monday, July 11
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Pensacola State College
Amos Performance Studio
1000 College Boulevard
Pensacola, FL 32504
Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
July 8, 2011
(850) 617-7737