TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On March 21, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the completion of major updates to nine existing agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) manuals, which provide specific, research-based practices to agricultural producers to improve water quality, along with the introduction of a new BMP manual for small farms and specialty livestock. These updates, all completed since Commissioner Simpson took office in January 2023, mark the first comprehensive revisions in nearly 20 years for some manuals, reflecting advancements in agricultural science, water quality research, and on-the-ground practices.
“Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers are the original stewards of our land and water resources, and these updates ensure they have the latest, most effective tools to continue producing the safe, affordable, and abundant food supply we all rely on,” said Commissioner Simpson. “These Best Management Practices manuals, updated in partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the University of Florida, and industry partners, provide real solutions that benefit both Florida’s natural resources and our agricultural economy.”
“I commend Commissioner Simpson for the completion of updating all the agricultural BMP manuals. It was a huge undertaking and essential to Florida agriculture,” said Scott Angle, the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). “Sound science is a foundation of Florida farmers’ success. They rely on research that demonstrates what works in the field, in the grove and on the ranch. Commissioner Simpson is to be lauded for focusing on evidence-based agricultural practices that provide guidance on how farmers can best achieve water quality goals and support their livelihoods.”
“Through the application of BMPs, we’re protecting and conserving Florida’s groundwater and creating landscapes that thrive,” said Phillip Hisey, a licensed irrigation and landscape professional and 2024-25 president of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). “BMPs are a promise to the future—ensuring that our landscapes are sustainable and our natural resources are preserved. We are grateful to FDACS and UF|IFAS for working with the industry to develop these effective and practical guidelines.”
“Millions of acres of Florida’s pastures and ranchlands do more than sustain cattle – they replenish groundwater, release oxygen and serve as vital green space. I commend Commissioner Simpson, FDACS and UF|IFAS for their leadership in incorporating the latest research and sustainable practices into the BMP manual for cattle operations, benefiting ranchers and conserving Florida’s landscape now and in the future,” said Dale Carlton, co-owner and operator of Roman III Ranch, Horse Creek Ranch and C&B Cattle and president of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association.
“BMPs help equip me and my team with tools and knowledge to implement research-based practices that conserve water, improve nutrient management and safeguard Florida’s natural resources. I appreciate Commissioner Simpson and the teams at FDACS and UF|IFAS for working to implement feasible, effective strategies to continue stewarding Florida lands,” said Michelle Williams, operations manager for G&F Farms.
“Since Commissioner Wilton Simpson took office in 2023, he has taken a proactive approach to protecting Florida’s water quality and preserving its natural resources, and the updated Best Management Practices (BMPs) reflect his leadership. I applaud these practical measures that support the growth of Florida’s agriculture while protecting the environment and sustaining the state’s beautiful landscape,” said Ernie Barnett, executive director of the Florida Land Council.
“Florida growers and ranchers have long been leaders in the implementation of Best Management Practices to help grow our nation’s food supply and protect our state’s natural resources for future generations,” said Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner. “We are grateful to Commissioner Simpson for leading and prioritizing this significant effort to make needed updates to the BMP manuals. These new BMPs better align with the water quality goals of the program and ensure the overall requirements are practical and economically viable for growers.”
“Like my family’s citrus operation, Florida’s citrus industry was an early adopter of BMPs to improve water quality and conserve water,” said Kyle Story, vice president of The Story Companies and president of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Thank you, Commissioner Simpson, for leading FDACS and UF|IFAS in updating the citrus BMP manual with science-based practices like low-volume irrigation and precision nutrient application to address challenges like citrus greening and help us grow sustainably while protecting the environment.”
“Thank you, Commissioner Simpson, for leading the tremendous effort of updating the dairy BMP manual to include the latest science and real-world practices that enhance Florida’s water quality, soil health and the environment, while also helping Florida’s dairy operations run smoothly. The dedication of FDACS and UF|IFAS to balance operational productivity with environmental sustainability will help dairy farmers across Florida continue to care for the land we rely on,” said Ray Hodge, executive director of the United Dairy Farmers of Florida.
“Under Commissioner Simpson’s leadership, FDACS and UF|IFAS have worked tirelessly to lay a strong foundation for best management practices to address growers’ needs for practical solutions within the larger framework of protecting Florida’s water quality. I believe our industry’s updated BMP manual is a testament to Commissioner Simpson’s leadership and commitment to conservation and the people responsible for implementing these best practices,” said Jamie Tedder, vice president of turf at Bethel Farms and board president of Turfgrass Producers of Florida.
Under Florida law, BMPs are defined as the most effective and practical means to improve water quality in agricultural and urban discharges. These practices are developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP) in coordination with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), and industry experts.
BMPs help agricultural producers improve water quality while maintaining productivity and economic viability. Categories of BMPs include:
- Nutrient Management – Assessing nutrient needs and sources to optimize fertilizer use and reduce runoff impacts on water resources.
- Irrigation Management – Enhancing irrigation methods and scheduling to conserve water and minimize nutrient losses to the environment.
- Water Resource Protection – Implementing buffers, setbacks, and swales to reduce sediment and nutrient transport from agricultural lands to Florida’s waterways.
The following BMP Manuals have been updated since Commissioner Wilton Simpson took office:
- Citrus Operations [
3.5 MB ] - Cattle Operations [ 5.4 MB ]
- Dairy Operations [ 14.6 MB ]
- Equine Operations [ 3.6 MB ]
- Nursery Operations [ 2.3 MB ]
- Poultry Operations [ 4.4 MB ]
- Sod Operations [ 6.2 MB ]
- Specialty Fruit and Nut Crops Operations [ 4.8 MB ]
- Vegetable and Agronomic Crops Operations [ 5.5 MB ]
- Small Farms and Specialty Livestock Operations [ 3.8 MB ]
3.5 MB ]The updated BMP manuals are available on the FDACS website, where producers can access the latest guidelines and resources. For more information, visit FDACS.gov.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
— provided by FDACS