Commissioner Putnam to Attend Launch of Travelers “Don’t Pack a Pest” Outreach Campaign at MIA

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will attend the launch of Travelers “Don’t Pack a Pest” Outreach Campaign at the Miami International Airport on Friday, July 8. The campaign, created by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Miami-Dade County is intended to raise awareness about the risks associated with the introduction of harmful pests and disease by travelers. Linus, a CBP agriculture detector dog is the spokesperson for this campaign and is featured in a public service announcement, signage throughout the airport, and in other program materials. One of his fellow detector dogs will be present at the press conference to demonstrate the keen abilities these canines possess.

Event: Press Conference to Launch Travelers “Don’t Pack a Pest” Outreach Campaign
Date: Friday, July 8, 2011
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: Miami International Airport, Terminal D Auditorium
Media: OPEN PRESS

For additional information, visit www.freshfromflorida.com/pi/travelers.

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
July 7, 2011
(850) 339-6887

Denise Feiber
(352) 235-0036

Complaints about Do Not Call List and Telemarketing Top the List of Consumer Complaints for the Last 12 Months

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Received More Than 45,000 Complaints from Floridians

Tallahassee, FL – On the heels of the Florida’s 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services released today the top 10 consumer complaints filed during the last 12 months. The Department received 45,536 complaints in the last year, a 21 percent rise over the previous fiscal year.

Complaints about telemarketing and from “Do Not Call” list members made up approximately half of the complaints received. While these two concerns were far greater in number than any other category, the Department takes each complaint seriously in an effort to protect all consumers.

“Protecting consumers is our number one priority,” said Tom Steckler, Director of the Division of Consumer Services. “By proactively intercepting businesses that are practicing outside the law, we not only safeguard Floridians, but also enable lawful businesses to thrive, creating jobs throughout our state.”

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Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam: Commissioner Putnam Applauds Passage of Two Bills on House Floor

Tallahassee, FL – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam issued a statement today following passage of two bills in the Florida House of Representatives, HB 663 and HB 7209.

“With their unanimous vote in support of HB 663, the Florida House of Representatives recognizes the selfless service of men and women in uniform. Introduced by Representative Greg Steube, this legislation will designate areas of Florida State Forests in honor of and for use by service members and veterans of the armed forces who were wounded in the line of duty. It’s a simple way to reward them for their sacrifice to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and residents of this great state.”

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Commissioner Putnam Availability

In the year since the Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has tested more than 200 seafood samples, including finfish, shrimp, crabs, lobsters and oysters. As the anniversary of the Gulf Oil Spill approaches, Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is available this afternoon to discuss testing results that show less than 11 percent of the screened samples were found to have traces of possible oil contaminants. Of these, all samples indicate less than 1/1000th of the FDA’s level of concern.

Commissioner Putnam will be available from 2:30 – 4:30 pm today. If you are interested in speaking with Commissioner Putnam or obtaining b-roll footage of the Department’s testing capabilities, contact Sterling Ivey at 850-617-7737 or sterling.ivey@freshfromflorida.com.

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
(850) 617-7737

Commissioner Putnam Praises the Senate Budget Committee for their Unanimous Support of the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act

Tallahassee, FL – The Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act (S.B. 1312) was presented by Senator Gary Siplin before the Senate Budget Committee today. Commissioner Putnam issued the following statement in response to the Subcommittee’s unanimous vote in support of the bill:

“I want to thank Chairman Alexander and the members of the Senate Budget Committee for their unanimous support of the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act. I appreciate the overwhelming, bi-partisan support this bill is receiving and together we will provide healthy eating options to our school children.”

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Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam Regarding the Passing of E.T. York, Founder of IFAS at the University of Florida

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam released the following statement today regarding the passing of E.T. York, Founder of IFAS at the University of Florida:

“The University of Florida and agriculture community have suffered a great loss this morning with the passing of E.T. York. His contributions to the University in creating IFAS have left a legacy among the agriculture community and served as a stimulus for research, development and excellence of agriculture in our state. E.T. created an avenue for students to learn from industry leaders, sparking innovation and preservation of Florida’s $100 billion agriculture industry, and his dedication to alleviating hunger and improving the human condition in developing countries exemplified his service, generosity and unwavering commitment to a better tomorrow.

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Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam: Florida House of Representatives Unanimously Passes HB 735

Tallahassee, FL – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam released the following statement regarding the Florida House of Representatives’ unanimous passage of HB735:

“I applaud the Florida House of Representatives for passing HB 735 sponsored by Representative Elizabeth Porter. This bill changes the name of the Department’s Division of Forestry to the Florida Forest Service — more accurately describing the role, responsibility and contribution Florida’s forestry field staff make each day in protecting more than 1.1 million acres of state forest land.”

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Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act Gains Momentum with Unanimous Support from House State Affairs Committee

Commissioner Putnam Applauds the House State Affairs Committee for Voting in Support of Bill to Improve School Nutrition

Tallahassee, FL – The House State Affairs Committee today joined the Senate Agriculture Committee in supporting Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam’s Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act, a bill intended to expand school access to Florida’s fresh fruits and vegetables by moving school nutrition programs to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. … Continue Reading

Alternative Energy Plays a Vital Role in the Future of Florida’s Agriculture Industry

Commissioner Putnam Visits Future Biofuel Conversion Facilities

Sebring, FL – Commissioner Adam Putnam met with Highlands County energy crop growers today at an event hosted by Highlands Envirofuels in Sebring, Florida.  This event was part of a day-long briefing and tour of the area’s future biofuel conversion facilities.

“Diversifying the state’s agriculture industry has been and continues to be one of my top priorities as Commissioner of Agriculture,” said Commissioner Putnam.  “Florida has a unique opportunity to become a leader in the development and production of alternative energy, especially biomass. By investing in higher education, research and grants, the Department can enable Florida farmers, scientists and academics to explore the state’s options for energy production.”

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Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam: In Case You Missed It – March 11, 2011

Ag in the News

USDA Increases 2010-2011 Florida Orange Estimate

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released its March orange crop forecast for the 2010-2011 season, increasing its earlier estimate by 4 million boxes to 142 million boxes. “The late maturing crop and the freeze has complicated the forecasting,” said Michael W. Sparks, executive VP/CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “This should put us closer to the final season number but the crop estimate is an ongoing process.” (USDA, 03/10)

Tropicana Raising Prices on Orange Juice

Tropicana says it will increase the price of some of its juices by 4 to 8 percent to cope with the destructive impact cold weather has had on citrus crops in Florida. The juice maker, which is owned by PepsiCo Inc., is the largest purchaser of Florida fruit and juice. The company said Tuesday that it is coping with two extreme freezes, the coldest December on record and a smaller-than-expected crop for second year in a row. A report released this week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture this week shows that orange production is down in Florida but the full impact of the recent cold weather won’t be known until June. (Bloomberg – Associated Press, 03/08)

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Statement by Commissioner Adam Putnam

“I share the Governor’s vision to reduce unemployment and grow our economy by creating jobs. I look forward to working with the Governor, the members of the Cabinet and the Legislature to accomplish this goal.

As Commissioner of Agriculture, I’m focused on fostering an environment in which businesses can grow and thrive in Florida. I believe we should invest in higher education, research and grants that will enable Floridians to create, innovate and, ultimately, generate more jobs across our great state.”

– Commissioner Adam H. Putnam

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Commissioner Putnam Proves It Is Possible to Eat Healthy and Nutritious Foods

In Recognition of National Food Check-Out Week,10 County Farm Bureaus Contribute Healthy Foods to Tallahassee Ronald McDonald House

Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam shared results today of a project by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to prove that it is possible to eat healthy and nutritious meals on a tight budget. The Department developed a seven-day menu for a family of four that is high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in cost. … Continue Reading

Starting with Schools, Commissioner Putnam Plans to Expand Access to High-Quality, Nutritious Foods

Agriculture Commissioner Announced Legislation Intended to Improve Child Health and Nutrition by Streamlining all School Food and Nutrition Programs

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today his plans to improve school health and nutrition and enable schools to access and serve high quality and nutritious foods, including locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Speaking before a crowd of more than 125 school food service employees at the Florida School Nutrition Association Legislative Action Caucus, Commissioner Putnam introduced the Healthy Schools for Healthy Lives Act, a bill that will bring all state-level school food and nutrition programs to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

“As the agency responsible for ensuring the safety and wholesomeness of Florida’s food supply, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is the most experienced and best positioned to manage Florida’s school food and nutrition programs,” said Commissioner Putnam.  “In a state where fresh fruits and vegetables are in abundance, there is an opportunity for us to offer more high-quality, nutritious foods to schools and public assistance programs. Through school food and nutrition programs, we will seek to expand access to these healthy eating options.”

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Commissioner Putnam Announces Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is Now Accepting Applications for Funding

Tallahassee, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today that up to $4.3 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be awarded to nonprofits, producers, academic institutions and government agencies, among others, to fund projects that will enhance the competitiveness of Florida’s specialty crops. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is now accepting applications for funding. … Continue Reading

Florida State Fair Authority Board of Directors Holds First Meeting of 2011

Commissioner Putnam Announces Seven New Members and Reappoints 10 Members to Board that Oversees Operations of Florida State Fairgrounds and Florida State Fair

Tampa, Fla. – Commissioner Adam Putnam announced today the appointment of seven new members and the reappointment of 10 members to the Florida State Fair Authority Board of Directors. These individuals from across the state will convene today at 2:00 p.m. for the board’s first meeting of 2011 at the Florida State Fairgrounds. … Continue Reading

Florida State Fair Opening Day Celebration Events

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam will attend the Florida State Fair’s Opening Day Celebration on February 10 in Tampa, FL at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Throughout the day, Commissioner Putnam will speak at various events celebrating Florida’s rich agricultural heritage.

Event: Opening Day Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Date: Thursday, February 10
Time: 10:30-11 a.m.
Location: Family Theatre Stage, Gate 2, Florida State Fairgrounds
Media: OPEN PRESS

Event: Opening Day Luncheon and Woman in Ag of the Year Award
Date: Thursday, February 10
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Location: Charles M. Davis Special Events Center, Florida State Fairgrounds
Media: OPEN PRESS

Event: VIP Reception
Date: Thursday, February 10
Time: 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Location: Sweetbay Entertainment Hall, Florida State Fairgrounds
Media: OPEN PRESS

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Contact: Sterling Ivey
February 8, 2011
(850) 488-3022

Florida State Fair Kicks-Off February 10

Annual tradition salutes the state’s best in agriculture, entertainment and food

Tampa, Fla. – Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and the Florida State Fair Authority invite everyone to the 107th annual Florida State Fair, a 12-day salute to the state’s best in agriculture, entertainment and food, which kicks off Thursday, February 10. … Continue Reading

Top Five Ways to Avoid Bed Bugs

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Issues Guide

Tallahassee, Fla. – In light of the 2^nd National Bed Bugs Summit hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Washington, D.C. this week, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued a list of five simple steps for consumers to follow to avoid bed bugs.

“The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is focused on preventing the spread of bed bugs in Florida,” said Andy Rackley, Director of Agriculture Environmental Services at the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Infestation of bed bugs can be prevented. By partnering with key industries, we are working to raise awareness among Florida consumers.”

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Meeting With Commissioner Adam Putnam at the Florida State Fair

It’s that time of year again, time for the 2011 Florida State Fair! The 107th Florida State Fair will kickoff on Thursday, February 10th with a ribbon cutting ceremony and opening day lunch and will run until Monday, February 21st. As in previous years, the fair will have all of your favorite rides, food, and events, along with some new fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is excited to see the state’s best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and exhibits by 4-H and FFA members. Commissioner Putnam will be at many of the opening day and youth oriented events this year, but will also be available to speak to press prior to the State Fair official opening.

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Andrews 2011 Menu Rollout Photo Gallery