Economics   Click on your Choice: download this chapter in a PDF file view web pages: Guiding Principle - Point to Keep in Mind - Challenge Current Condition Priority Actions  Other Actions Benefits Key to Acronyms

A Conducive Business Climate

Priority Actions:

Regulatory Climate | Local Government | All Policy Areas | Federal Programs

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS: 

Conclusion: Need to find ways to reduce unnecessary burdens and costs on agriculture due to local government regulations and permits

Suggested Actions: Much can be gained by more dialog on this issue at the local government level. Here are several ways in which this might be done in South Florida:

Emphasis should be on seeking ways in which local government regulations and permits can be incorporated into the site-specific Integrated Operating Plans described above.

Another approach was suggested by Bruce Adams of South Florida Water Management District and the Sustainable Agricultural Task Team: Set up an approach whereby agricultural operations that meet certain criteria can be exempted from other rules and regulations and get expedited approval for permits.

Still Another approach was recommended by Ferdinand F. Wirth, Ph.D., who says: "One problem with the regulatory climate is that agricultural producers have to deal with federal, state, and local laws which often conflict or overlap. The state of Delaware has found one solution which could work in Florida. That portion of the Delaware Constitution which grants zoning and licensing authority to local governments specifically excludes agricultural activities. Agriculture is a default land use in the state of Delaware. County and municipal governments have no authority over agricultural enterprises. Farmers are exempt from county zoning, building codes, building permits, etc. The counties only have authority when citizen health and safety are involved. The Delaware system has effectively removed one layer of bureaucracy from the backs of the agriculture community."

DCA Responds: "As implementation strategies evolve from this document, DCA would consider initiating a forum with local government planners and other key officials to seek ways to promote and sustain agriculture. One example to explore with local governments is the feasibility of creating land use categories that are exclusively for agriculture. The Delaware model that constitutionally exempts agriculture from local zoning, building codes and building permits combined with the principles of an Integrated Operating Plan creates interesting possibilities for changes to current regulations. Regardless, care should be taken to protect the essential state interests, or those affecting the health, safety and welfare of our citizens (water consumption, contamination, habitat impacts, etc.)"

Recommendations:

Who: The Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
What: Need statewide effort. DCA should initiate a forum with local government planners and other key officials to seek ways to reduce unnecessary burdens and costs on agriculture due to local government regulations and permits.

Contributing action recommended by NRCS:
Action: Develop local leadership
Responsible: NRCS
Duration: Short term (1-2 years)

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