Citrus Pests & Diseases
- Coordinating “regional” Asian Citrus Psyllid spraying efforts to combat HLB
- Negotiated establishment of PCR Laboratory for “Greening” identification at SWFREC
- Scheduled “local” grower workshops related to CANKER
- Worked with “citrus” leaders on funding for CANKER eradication and compensation
- Coordinated ALL “local” media relations related to CANKER
Taxation & Valuation
- Worked to defeat the “stormwater utility tax” on citrus/agriculture in Charlotte, Collier and Lee Counties
- Challenged the valuation process for ad valorem taxes on groves in Hendry County and WON
- Monitor the valuation process for citrus groves/ ad valorem taxes in each of five counties
- Negotiated reduced valuations of groves in Charlotte County and a process re-evaluation
Water Management Issues
- Led the development of “GULF CITRUS” Best Management Practices (BMPs) and obtained thousands in “cost/share” funding for implementation
- Negotiated “equitable” water use “restrictions” for low-volume citrus irrigation (SFWMD)
- Negotiated “workable” rule revisions for AG consumptive water use permits (SFWMD)
- Hosted SFWMD upper-management sessions regarding AG water use permit renewals
- Participate in water supply planning efforts (protect AG) for Lower West Coast (SFWMD)
- Coordinate “regional/local” supply allocations during water use restriction periods
- Monitor FDEP/EPA water quality initiatives (TMDLs, etc) in regional water bodies
- Plan and host several “regional” citrus/agricultural water management conferences
- Maintain working relationships with Governing Board and senior staff of SFWMD
Land Use & Private Property Rights
- Chaired Collier County Rural Lands Committee
- Negotiated “workable” Lee County “Southern Bald Eagle” ordinance
- Represent citrus/agri-property owners on Hendry County Rural Lands Committee
- Represent citrus/agri-property owners on Charlotte County 2050 & East Land Plans
- Represent citrus/agri-property owners on Lee County “Smart Growth” Committee
- Negotiated “revisions” in U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Florida Panther Protection Plan
- Plan and host several “regional” citrus/agricultural “enviro/species” related meetings
Governmental Relations
- Coordinate “citrus/agricultural issues briefings” with State and Federal elected officials (Members of State Legislature and Congress)
- Maintain contact with county administrators
- Maintain contact with county commissioners
- Maintain membership on S W Florida Transportation Initiative (SWFTI)
- Arranged for 5 “Resolutions/Letter of support for maintaining tariff on imported juice
Labor Relations/Mechanical Harvesting
- Plan and host SW Florida Agricultural Labor Compliance Seminars with U.S. Department of Labor and Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation Administrators
- Co-Sponsor Annual Agricultural Labor Relations Conference
- Implement “Partnership Agreement” (education efforts) with U.S. Department of Labor
- Work with local Catholic Charities/other county leaders on farm worker housing issues
- Work with S W Hispanic Chamber of Commerce on labor relations issues
- Promote a focus on “mechanical harvesting” at SW Florida Research & Education Center
- Establish a UF/IFAS Mechanical Harvesting Advisory Committee (SWFREC/CREC)
Community Outreach & Industry Relations
- Be “the voice” of the citrus growing industry of Southwest Florida
- Represent the citrus/agricultural community on Lee County’s Horizon Council
- Interface with Florida Gulf Coast University College of Business
- Interface with Florida Gulf Coast University Administration
- Sponsor the FGCU “Future of Agriculture in S W Florida” Study
- Interface with regional business/economic development organizations
- Serve as mass media contact for citrus/agricultural news reporting
- Provide sponsorships, contributions, and scholarships to county/regional charitable groups
