US (FL): Agriculture commissioner Putnam sees positive signs for farmers
Promotions of Florida produce are working, schools are serving more state products for lunch, and the federal government is putting money into the fight against citrus greening, which is threatening the industry, he said.
Putnam said he and others, including growers, recently visited Panama on a trade mission. They connected with Panamanian officials who were eager to see Florida produce for sale in grocery stores in the Central American country, he said. “There will be Plant City strawberries sold in Panama starting next season,” Putnam said.
The Strawberry Salute Breakfast, sponsored by Farm Credit of Central Florida, has been a part of the festival for about four decades. The guests include farmers, FFA students, government officials and others.
Strawberries are an important part of the business for the farm lender, which operates in 13 counties in the Interstate 4 corridor. Farm Credit of Central Florida president and chief executive officer Reggie Holt said strawberries helped Plant City through the recession. “The strawberry industry really kept this area going,” he said.
Source: tbo.com
