Watch the video!

Read the Summary Report!

The public participation workshops of the Western Lands Study are under way with the first Educational Forum held on January 14, 2010. Attendance of almost 100 yielded valuable participation and feedback on the economic development tools presented. If you missed all or any part of the event you can watch the video of the full day. You can also link to presentations from the various speakers:

• The Western Lands Today:  The Agricultural Economy - Dr. William Stronge, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Florida Atlantic University

• Economic Development Tools for Maintaining Farmland through Profitable Agriculture - Bob Wagner, Senior Director of Farmland Protection Programs, the American Farmland Trust

• Expanding Florida Agriculture's Role in Producing Renewable Energy and Participating in Carbon Markets - Andrew Walmsley, Assistant Director of Agricultural Policy, Florida Farm Bureau

• Incorporating Environmental Services Banking into Florida Farm Management and Business Plans - Ann Redmond, Senior Consultant, ENTRIX Senior Consultant

• The Florida Ranchlands Environmental Services Project Experience: A Pay-for-Environmental-Services Program - Dr. Hilary Swain, Executive Director and Senior Research Biologist, Archbold Biological Station

• Growing Demand for Locally Produced Food - Robert Kluson, Agricultural and Natural Resources Extension Agent of Sarasota County