Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is an executive department of the state of Florida. Its mission is to protect public health and safety. Its responsibilities are to ensure that consumers have access to the safest, cleanest, and most affordable food and other products. This includes ensuring that farms and ranches are not damaged by pesticides and other pollutants.
Agricultural Services Reorganization Act abolished independent boards and bureaus
The Agricultural Services Reorganization Act of 2007 abolished independent boards and bureaus within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Act also authorizes cooperative agreements among marketing and grain inspection services, and prohibits the use of funds for the Safe Meat and Poultry Inspection Panel and the initiative for future agriculture. However, the legislation does allow the use of funds for grants made before November 28, 2001.
The new law also makes tobacco farms eligible for a new rural utility program. This program offers subsidies to farmers who are looking to establish a new business. The new law also authorizes the Agricultural Marketing Service to use funds from food stamps for commodity processing. The Act also limits the amount of money that can be spent on the Rural Utilities Service grant program and a portion of USDA funds for agricultural research.
Duties of commissioner of agriculture
The Florida commissioner of agriculture is a constitutional officer of the state executive branch and heads the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Elected to a four-year term, the commissioner works with three Deputy Commissioners and the Chief of Staff. The commissioner is charged with supporting the agriculture industry, conserving the state’s natural resources, and managing state forests. The commissioner is one of four members of Florida’s Cabinet and fourth in line to the governor.
In addition to overseeing Florida’s $120 billion agriculture industry, the commissioner is also responsible for protecting the public from unethical mechanics. He or she also oversees a number of consumer protection programs and improves child nutrition in Florida schools. More than 15 offices and divisions make up the department.
Mission of FDACS
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is a state agency that is responsible for ensuring Florida agriculture continues to thrive in the 21st century. This state agency is comprised of twelve programmatic Divisions and one support division, each headed by a Division Director. Each Division is further subdivided into Bureaus and Sections.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services works to protect the public’s health and safety and support the state’s agricultural economy. In order to accomplish its mission, the department works with local partners to apply conservation methods. The office also facilitates communication among different agencies and provides industry-adopted Best Management Practice manuals. In addition to protecting the environment, the agency develops knowledge about human resources and agriculture through the Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is dedicated to providing exemplary services to Floridians. It has offices throughout the state and works to protect consumers while promoting the state’s $120 billion agriculture industry. The agency also has its own agriculture law enforcement office and forestry division.
