Frequently asked questions
Name Joseph Di Bartolomeo
• Age 64
• Current occupation Business Owner
• How long have you been a resident of Manatee County? Over 19 years in Tara Preserve
- What are the three top priorities/issues facing the county, and how should the commission address them?
- Why are you running for office?
- Why makes you more qualified than your opponents for this office?
- Affordable housing — what can the Manatee County Commission do to increase the supply of work force housing?
- If elected, you likely are going to be asked many times to allow changes to the county zoning code for certain projects. What is your philosophy toward zoning?
- What is your position on the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB) — keep it; abide by it; eliminate it? Why?
- Growth — What is your philosophy on how population growth should be addressed in Manatee County?
- Roads/Transportation — What should the County Commission’s strategy be to address the county’s increased road needs?
- What is your position on impact fees?
- What is your position on land acquisition for conservation and preservation?
- What grade would you give the County Commission on managing the county’s tax dollars? What needs to be changed in the county fiscal management?
- Can you identify any area where you think the county’s spending should be cut, or any area where more needs to be spent?
- What is your position on the county’s current millage rate — is it satisfactory? Too high? Too low?
- How would you describe your philosophy on the role of government and on taxation?
- What is your position on development?
- Why are you running as an NPA for County Commissioner District 5?
- What will be the top issue impacting businesses in the coming
year? What role should the County play in addressing it?
- Adequate infrastructure is indeed crucial for economic development and quality of life in any county. What are your top two infrastructure priorities?
- What are your thoughts on Workforce housing?
- If elected, what would be your top priorities, and more specifically what changes would you push/support for Law Enforcement?
- In terms of priorities, how do you rate the importance of Public Safety in Manatee County?
- Given the continued increase in population and growth here in Manatee County, how important is it to you to increase staffing levels in the Sheriff’s Office?
- Do you feel that the Sheriff’s Office in Manatee County is currently funded at proper levels?
- Is there any language in our comprehensive plan or land development code that you believe negatively impacts agriculture and should be changed? Are there any safeguards you would want in place in our comprehensive plan to preserve some of our agricultural and rural lands?
- Solar fields are popping up across our county and state, most of them encroaching rural lands. Is this cause for concern? And if so, is it something you believe could (or should) be addressed at the local level?
- Are you concerned about the future access and availability of water from our aquifers, lakes, and reservoirs—for agricultural and residential use—in our county? If so, what, if anything, do you think should be done locally or regionally to address future water concerns? Do you believe residents in eastern Manatee County are right to be concerned their wells may run dry?
- What do you believe are the biggest threats to our county’s agricultural industry and what can/would you do, as one of our commissioners, to address it?
What are the three top priorities/issues facing the county, and how should the commission address them?
- Quality of life –Clean drinking water, excessive traffic, strained infrastructure, crowded schools, all of these should be addressed with prioritization, fiscal responsibility and feasibility with consideration given to of our current Comprehensive plan, FDAB, taxes and impact fees.
- Property Rights- The property rights of our residents are as important as the property rights of the developer community. Everyone should abide by the Comprehensive and FDAB plan. Special exceptions for developers and threats of Bert Harris Act should be addressed proactively rather than re-actively.
- Environment-The compressing of the buffer zones, mangrove trimming and excessive pollutants reaching our streams, rivers and bay need immediate policy action to restore and protect our previously pristine environment.
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Why are you running for office. Manatee County requires a candidate with Civic Courage to push back against the influence of the special interest groups that are profiteering off the citizens of this county with policies and actions that favor big campaign donors. Rather then being a “bleacher screamer” and complaining about how the game on the field is played wrong, I am willing to suit up and get into game for the benefit of all Manatee County residents.
What makes you more qualified than your opponent for this office? I have worked in private industry for 20 years and been a small business owner for the last 25 years. I have also been an elected Manatee County CDD Supervisor for the last six years. My education, skills and experience provide the foundation to address many of Manatee County’s financial, infrastructure, operational, management, and communication challenges. I have a BA in Accounting from Rutgers University and a MBA in both Finance & Information Technology from FDU. I have worked in the capacity of Accountant, Finance Director, Controller and Chief Financial Officer addressing financial management, capital funding, investments, operational excellence and reorganizations in complex organizations.
Affordable housing — what can the Manatee Board of County Commission (BOCC) do to increase the supply of work force housing? The county needs to partner with local business to address the shortage of work-force housing. The solutions may be in the form of credits, offsets or any other tools at the BOCC disposal to create a symbiotic partnership between the private and public sector for the benefit of our residents and small businesses.
If elected, you likely are going to be asked many times to allow changes to the county zoning code for certain projects. What is your philosophy toward zoning? Exceptions to anything are a feasibility exercise that I have participated in many times in my personal and professional life. If the benefits of the project, coupled with a net zero cost to the community makes the exception desirable, then I will consider it. If it only benefits one party and/or costs the county, and thus the taxpayer, I will not consider it.
What is your position on the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB) — keep it; abide by it; eliminate it? Why? The FDAB is an important part of county planning. You cannot build homes and businesses without proper infrastructure which includes roads, utilities, schools and transportation. All of this expansion of the FDAB requires funding. When you have interest rates at 20-year highs, it is not fiscally responsible to take on additional debt to be serviced by taxpayers if the Return on Investment (ROI) is not timely or realistic. Incremental, slow and properly planned growth benefits the county rather than rushing through special projects through exceptions to benefit special interests.
Growth — What is your philosophy on how population growth should be addressed in Manatee County? Slow and steady to support our construction workforce and ancillary businesses and allow the necessary time to build, maintain and develop the infrastructure to support the growth. This in conjunction with a sensible comprehensive plan and FDAB that benefits all citizens.
Roads/Transportation — What should the County Commission’s strategy be to address the county’s increased road needs? Funds should be allocated by usage metrics to enhance, maintain and upgrade our roadways. I am not personally a huge fan of round-a-bouts and medians beautification. I believe that funds can be better used for technology-oriented traffic and speed controls. I need to personally speak to our traffic department and the community for suggestions and proposed solutions.
What is your position on impact fees? The cost of incremental dwellings should be a burden of the developer, not the tax-payer. Paying 40%-60% of impact fees that are based on old studies is equivalent to corporate welfare for a select few. We need to use the most current Impact fee study and charge 100% of the cost to the development community. This will keep our debt and taxes low.
What is your position on land acquisition for conservation and preservation? In a balanced, fiscally responsible manner, I believe Manatee County should continue to acquire and preserve our lands for future generations to enjoy, as well as for flood control and wildlife preservation.
What grade would you give the County Commission on managing the county’s tax dollars? What needs to be changed in the county fiscal management? I would give each commissioner a grade of C, except for George Kruse, which I would give an A. I believe that anyone who is in the position as county commissioner should be extremely well versed in financial and accounting matters. The current board positions themselves as fiscal conservatives, but personally I don’t see that in their decisions or actions.
Can you identify any area where you think the county’s spending should be cut, or any area where more needs to be spent? We need to cut the pork from those pet projects which do not make logical sense or provide the ROI to the community. The recent increase in funds to the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) for voter integrity is an example of throwing money at solutions to problems that do not exist. Also, millions of dollars for another Veterans’ Park planning exercise near the FDAB, when we have veterans that require basic services and housing is not fiscal conservation, serve our community or a best use of taxpayer funds.
What is your position on the county’s current millage rate — is it satisfactory? Too high? Too low? The questions should be are our real estate taxes too low, high or fine. The millage rate is just the mathematical factor times the property value to calculate the tax. This amount is driven by the county budget and spread amongst all property owners in combination with other revenue sources and uses. We need to be more fiscally responsible to make sure that every tax dollar paid by Manatee County property owners are being used for the highest ROI for our community and not subsidizing impact fees deficiencies, pet projects or finding solutions to issues that don’t exist.
How would you describe your philosophy on the role of government and on taxation? As a financial professional, owning several small business and having degrees in Accounting and Finance, I cannot overstate the need for financial responsibility in the position of BOCC. Everything is a feasibility study when making financial decisions with tax dollars. There are vital community services that need to funded but discretionary projects need to be revisited and justified. I am an advocate of small government, but we need to protect the most vulnerable of our society and setup infrastructure to achieve that. That doesn’t imply we abandon common sense and responsibility to all taxpayers.
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What is your position on development? As a businessman I am pro capitalism, but not at the expense of Manatee County taxpayers. The construction, development and real estate industry provide many good paying jobs in our county. Development is vital to every community’s economic expansion and vitality. I am for reasonable and planned development in as long as it meets the Comprehensive Plan, respects the Future Development Area Boundary (FDAB) and pays 100% of the impact fees defined with the most recent Impact Fee Study. Any exceptions for zoning or land use should only be considered when the benefit to the citizens of Manatee outweighs the benefit to the development firm.
Why are you running as an NPA for County Commissioner District 5? When I moved to Manatee County over 19 years ago, I registered as a “No-Party-Affiliated” voter. I started considering a run for County Commissioner in January 2024 which was too late to switch party affiliation for the November 2024 election. I consider myself a “moderate” and believe that both Republicans and Democrats have many good policy positions. Since Manatee County issues are neither right or left, blue or red, progressive or conservation, I can represent all constituents best as an independent. My opinion is that voting for political party affiliation over the most qualified candidate is not in the voter’s best interest. When I am elected commissioner, I will not make decisions based in ideology or favor anyone's interest based on their party affiliation. I choose Manatee County over partisan party politics.
What will be the top issue impacting businesses in the coming year? What role should the County play in addressing it?
One of the top issues expected to impact businesses in the coming year is economic uncertainty. This can manifest in various ways, including:
- Inflation and Rising Costs: Higher inflation rates can lead to increased costs for raw materials, labor, and logistics, putting pressure on profit margins.
- Supply Chain Disruptions: Ongoing issues with global supply chains, such as shortages of critical components and delays in shipping, can affect production schedules and inventory management.
- Technological Advancements and Cybersecurity: Rapid advancements in technology require businesses to continually adapt, while the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks demand robust cybersecurity measures.
- Regulatory Changes: Changes in regulations, whether related to trade, environmental standards, or data privacy, can require businesses to adjust their operations and compliance strategies.
- Labor Market Challenges: A tight labor market, skills shortages, and changing workforce expectations can make it difficult for businesses to attract and retain talent.
- Geopolitical Instability: Political tensions and conflicts can disrupt markets, create uncertainty, and affect international trade.
- Sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Considerations: Growing pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators for sustainable practices and transparency in ESG metrics requires businesses to innovate and invest in more responsible operations.
Addressing these issues requires strategic planning, adaptability, and a focus on innovation and resilience.
Counties play a crucial role in addressing economic and business challenges at a local level. Here are several ways counties can help address these issues:
- Support for Local Businesses:
- Infrastructure Improvements:
- Workforce Development:
- Regulatory and Policy Support:
- Economic Diversification:
- Sustainability Initiatives:
- Cybersecurity and Technology:
- Community Engagement:
By taking these actions, counties can create a supportive environment that helps businesses navigate challenges, promotes economic resilience, and fosters long-term growth and stability.
Adequate infrastructure is indeed crucial for economic development and quality of life in any county. Here are the top two infrastructure priorities:
1. Transportation Infrastructure:
Why it Matters:
- Efficient transportation networks are vital for the movement of people and goods, which directly impacts local businesses, commute times, and overall economic activity.
- Improved transportation can reduce congestion, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance public safety.
Key Actions:
- Road and Bridge Maintenance and Expansion: Prioritize the repair and expansion of roads and bridges to ensure safe and efficient travel. Address bottlenecks and improve traffic flow.
- Public Transit Improvements: Invest in expanding and modernizing public transit systems, such as buses, light rail, and commuter trains, to provide reliable and affordable alternatives to driving.
- Non-Motorized Transport: Develop and maintain infrastructure for biking and walking, including bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings, to promote healthier and more sustainable modes of transportation.
- Smart Traffic Management: Implement smart traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion through real-time monitoring and adaptive traffic signals.
2. Digital Infrastructure:
Why it Matters:
- Robust digital infrastructure is essential for businesses, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life, especially in an increasingly digital world.
- High-speed internet access is crucial for remote work, online learning, telemedicine, and accessing government services.
Key Actions:
- Broadband Expansion: Ensure high-speed internet access is available in all areas of the county, particularly under-served rural and low-income urban areas. Partner with private sector providers to expand broadband infrastructure.
- Public Wi-Fi Access: Establish public Wi-Fi hot-spots in community centers, parks, and other public spaces to provide free or low-cost internet access to residents and visitors.
- Digital Equity Programs: Develop programs to provide affordable devices and digital literacy training to residents who may lack access to technology or the skills to use it effectively.
- Cybersecurity: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital infrastructure and the data of residents and businesses from cyber threats.
Implementation Strategies:
- Public-Private Partnerships: Form partnerships with private companies and other government entities to leverage resources and expertise.
- Grants and Funding: Pursue federal, state, and private grants and funding opportunities to finance infrastructure projects.
- Community Involvement: Engage with community members and stakeholders to ensure infrastructure projects meet local needs and gain public support.
- Sustainability Considerations: Incorporate sustainable practices and technologies in infrastructure projects to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.
By focusing on these two priorities, counties can enhance their economic development prospects, improve the quality of life for residents, and build a more resilient and future-ready infrastructure network.
Workforce housing: To address the lack of sufficient affordable workforce housing, counties can implement a multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, incentives, partnerships, and direct investments. Here are several strategies counties can pursue:
- Zoning and Land Use Policies:
- Financial Incentives and Assistance:
- Public-Private Partnerships:
- Leveraging Public Land:
- Streamlining Regulations and Permitting:
- Supportive Services and Programs:
- Advocacy and Community Engagement:
- Monitoring and Evaluation:
By adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach, counties can help ensure that there is a sufficient supply of affordable workforce housing to support the local workforce and foster a more inclusive and economically resilient community.
topIf elected, what would be your top priorities, and more specifically what changes would you push/support for Law Enforcement?
I come from a law enforcement family in NJ in various command positions, one of them the past chief of police in my hometown. Associating with officers since I was a young man, I have heard many issues ranging from union, community interaction, internal affairs, traffic and special assignments. I personally feel that the general public has limited understanding of the amount of knowledge, professionalism, common sense and duty being on the job requires. As such, I would support any project/program or discussions to increase tools, education, equipment, resources and manpower to provide superior public service, while at the same time, protecting our law enforcement community.
In terms of priorities, how do you rate the importance of Public Safety in Manatee County?
Public safety is an essential element of a healthy and secure society. It involves the prevention, protection, and response to various public threats and hazards. The citizens of Manatee depend on Public Safety to respond to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and severe weather. I would rate Public Safety as one of my top priorities in Manatee County
Given the continued increase in population and growth here in Manatee County, how important is it to you to increase staffing levels in the Sheriff’s Office?
In speaking with various patrolling sheriff in District 5, it is obvious that we are lacking manpower which leads to prioritizing calls and delays in response time. During my due diligence before deciding to run for office, I met with Rick Wells and he explained that officers were being poached by other communities, including out of state and recruitment takes times. I believe with the accelerated population in Manatee County, we need to scale public safety personal appropriately. As such we need to plan for that growth and manage future budgets to include increases in headcount.
Do you feel that the Sheriff’s Office in Manatee County is currently funded at proper levels?
That is a very good question and one I would explore in the first months of having the books and personal available to me for discussion. As a first step, I would like to meet with appropriate Sheriff personal to discuss current and future needs, constraints and opportunities.
Is there any language in our comprehensive plan or land development code that you believe negatively impacts agriculture and should be changed? Are there any safeguards you would want in place in our comprehensive plan to preserve some of our agricultural and rural lands?
To provide specific insights into the comprehensive plan or land development code of Manatee County, I would need to review the current documents in great detail to identify any language that might negatively impact agriculture. However, I can offer some general thoughts and recommendations that are relevant in such plans to support and preserve agricultural and rural lands especially considering we are redeveloping the Comprehensive Plan which should include the FDAB.
Potential Negative Impacts on Agriculture:
Zoning Restrictions: If the comprehensive plan has restrictive zoning that limits the types of agricultural activities allowed, this can hinder farmers' ability to diversify their operations and remain economically viable.
Urban Sprawl and Encroachment: Policies that favor urban expansion into rural areas can lead to the fragmentation of agricultural land, making it difficult for farmers to maintain large, contiguous tracts necessary for efficient farming.
Lack of Support for Agricultural Infrastructure: Insufficient support for necessary infrastructure (e.g., irrigation systems, farm-to-market roads) can make agricultural operations less efficient and more costly.
Safeguards to Preserve Agricultural and Rural Lands:
Agricultural Zoning Districts: Designate specific zones for agricultural use and limit non-agricultural development within these areas to preserve large tracts of farmland.
Urban Growth Boundaries: Establish, define and adhere urban growth boundaries to contain urban sprawl and protect rural lands from encroachment. Our FDAB seem to be a moving target.
Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) Programs: Implement TDR programs that allow landowners to sell development rights from agricultural land to developers, who can then use these rights to increase density in designated urban areas. This preserves our agricultural and rural land.
Agricultural Conservation Easements: Encourage or require conservation easements that restrict development on agricultural lands while allowing continued farming use.
Support for Agricultural Enterprises: Provide incentives and support for agricultural operations, such as tax breaks, grants, and technical assistance, to help farmers maintain and improve their operations.
Buffer Zones: Establish buffer zones between agricultural and urban areas to minimize conflicts and protect agricultural operations from encroachment and nuisance complaints.
Right-to-Farm Laws: Strengthen right-to-farm laws that protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits and ensure they can continue traditional farming practices.
Agri-Tourism and Value-Added Agriculture: Support “agri-tourism” and value-added agricultural activities to provide additional revenue streams for farmers and increase public appreciation for agricultural lands.
Solar fields are popping up across our county and state, most of them encroaching rural lands. Is this cause for concern? And if so, is it something you believe could (or should) be addressed at the local level?
Solar fields may be a cause for concern in terms of agricultural land use, but they also offer potential benefits. Here are some thoughts for both the potential concerns and benefits of solar fields on our agricultural lands:
Concerns:
Loss of Agricultural Land: Solar fields can occupy large areas of land that could otherwise be used for farming. This can reduce the amount of land available for food production and other agricultural activities.
Land Degradation: The construction and maintenance of solar fields can potentially lead to soil compaction, erosion, and other forms of land degradation if not managed properly.
Economic Impact: Farmers who lease their land for solar fields might find it more profitable in the short term, but it could reduce the availability of land for future agricultural use, potentially affecting long-term agricultural productivity and rural economies.
Aesthetic and Environmental Impact: Large solar installations can alter the landscape and may have an impact on local wildlife habitats, especially if not planned with environmental considerations in mind.
Benefits:
Renewable Energy Production: Solar fields contribute to renewable energy generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and helping to mitigate climate change, which can have long-term benefits for agriculture and the environment.
Economic Benefits for Farmers: Leasing land for solar fields can provide farmers with a steady income, which can be especially valuable in times of crop failure or low market prices for agricultural products.
Dual-Use Opportunities: Some solar farms are designed for dual-use, allowing for agricultural activities to continue alongside energy production. For example, some crops or livestock can coexist with solar panels, a practice known as agrivoltaics.
Land Conservation: Solar fields can act as a form of land conservation, preventing the land from being developed for urban or industrial use and preserving open spaces.
Safeguards and Recommendations:
Zoning and Land Use Policies: Establish clear zoning regulations that balance the development of solar fields with the preservation of prime agricultural land.
Agrivoltaics: Encourage the development of “agrivoltaics” systems that combine solar energy production with agricultural activities, maximizing land use efficiency.
Site Selection: Prioritize the placement of solar fields on less productive agricultural land, brownfields, or other non-agricultural areas to minimize the impact on food production.
Environmental Impact Assessments: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments to ensure that solar field development does not negatively affect local ecosystems, soil health, or water resources.
Community Involvement: Engage local communities and stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that the development of solar fields meets the needs and concerns of all parties involved.
By implementing these safeguards and considering both the benefits and concerns, Manatee County can support renewable energy development while also protecting and preserving its valuable agricultural lands.
Are you concerned about the future access and availability of water from our aquifers, lakes, and reservoirs—for agricultural and residential use—in our county? If so, what, if anything, do you think should be done locally or regionally to address future water concerns? Do you believe residents in eastern Manatee County are right to be concerned their wells may run dry?
Water concerns are critical for sustainable development, especially in areas experiencing growth or environmental pressures. For Manatee County, addressing future water concerns requires a combination of proactive planning, conservation measures, and infrastructure investment. Here are some steps that could be taken locally and regionally:
Measures to Address Future Water Concerns:
Comprehensive Water Management Plan: Develop and regularly update a comprehensive water management plan that includes assessments of water supply, demand, and long-term sustainability.
Water Conservation Programs: Implement and promote water conservation programs for residents, businesses, and agricultural operations to reduce overall water consumption. This can include education campaigns, incentives for water-efficient appliances, and regulations on water usage during drought periods.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Invest in modernizing and maintaining water infrastructure, including pipelines, treatment facilities, and reservoirs, to reduce water loss and improve efficiency.
Alternative Water Sources: Explore and develop alternative water sources such as reclaimed water, desalination, and rainwater harvesting to diversify the water supply.
Groundwater Monitoring and Management: Establish robust groundwater monitoring systems to track water levels and quality, especially in areas reliant on wells. Implement management practices to prevent over-extraction and ensure sustainable use of aquifers.
Regional Collaboration: Work with neighboring counties and regional water management districts to coordinate water resource management, share data, and develop joint strategies for water conservation and supply augmentation.
Land Use Planning: Integrate water resource considerations into land use planning to ensure that development does not exceed the available water supply. This can include limits on development in water-scarce areas and requirements for water-efficient landscaping and building practices.
Agricultural Best Practices: Encourage and support the adoption of best management practices (BMPs) in agriculture to improve water use efficiency and reduce runoff and pollution.
Concerns of Eastern Manatee County Residents:
Residents in eastern Manatee County may have legitimate concerns about their wells running dry, particularly if the region is experiencing rapid development, increased agricultural water use, or changes in climate patterns. Here are some specific actions to address these concerns:
Hydrological Studies: Conduct detailed hydrological studies to understand the capacity and recharge rates of local aquifers and to identify any potential risks of over-extraction.
Water Use Regulations: Implement regulations to control groundwater extraction, including limits on the amount of water that can be drawn from wells and requirements for permits for new wells.
Well Monitoring: Establish a well monitoring program to regularly measure water levels and quality in residential and agricultural wells. Provide residents with access to this data and inform them of any potential risks.
Water Supply Diversification: Encourage residents and businesses to adopt alternative water sources, such as rainwater harvesting systems and greywater reuse, to reduce reliance on groundwater.
Community Education: Educate the community about water conservation practices and the importance of protecting groundwater resources. Provide resources and support for implementing conservation measures.
Emergency Planning: Develop contingency plans for water shortages, including emergency water supplies and protocols for assisting residents if wells run dry.
By taking these proactive measures, Manatee County can help ensure a sustainable water future and address the concerns of residents in the eastern part of the county regarding their water wells.
What do you believe are the biggest threats to our county’s agricultural industry and what can/would you do, as one of our commissioners, to address it?
Manatee County’s agricultural industry faces several significant threats that could impact its viability and sustainability. These threats are multifaceted, involving environmental, economic, and regulatory factors. Here are some of the biggest threats to the county's agricultural industry:
Environmental Threats:
Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect crop yields, pest and disease prevalence, and water availability. Increased frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts pose significant risks.
Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater, competition for water resources with urban areas, and drought conditions can lead to water scarcity, impacting irrigation and crop production.
Soil Degradation: Soil erosion, loss of fertility, and salinization can result from poor land management practices, leading to reduced agricultural productivity. We have seen the impact of this already with the dust issues on land being developed.
Pests and Diseases: The introduction and spread of new pests and diseases, exacerbated by global trade and climate change, can devastate crops and livestock. In speaking to a few farm owners, it appears that our Port may be inadvertently allowing pests and disease into our county that is costing our farmers time and money to combat.
Economic Threats: Economic threats include Market Volatility, Rising Costs, Land Value and Development Pressure
Regulatory and Policy Threats:
Environmental Regulations: While necessary for sustainability, stringent environmental regulations can impose additional costs and operational challenges for farmers.
Labor Shortages: Immigration policies and labor market conditions can affect the availability of a reliable workforce for agricultural operations, particularly for labor-intensive crops.
Agricultural Policy Changes: Changes in agricultural policies at the state or federal level, including subsidies, trade agreements, and crop insurance programs, can impact the economic viability of farming.
Societal and Technological Threats:
Urbanization and Land Use Changes: The expansion of urban areas into rural regions can lead to the loss of agricultural land and increased conflict over water and other resources.
Lack of Succession Planning: An aging farmer population without clear succession plans can lead to the loss of farming knowledge and land being sold for non-agricultural uses.
Technological Disparities: Smaller farms may struggle to keep up with technological advancements in agriculture, leading to disparities in productivity and efficiency.
Recommendations to Mitigate Threats:
Climate Adaptation Strategies: Develop and implement strategies to adapt to climate change, such as drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and diversified farming practices.
Water Resource Management: Promote sustainable water use practices, invest in water-saving technologies, and protect water sources through conservation measures and regulations.
Soil Health Programs: Encourage practices that enhance soil health, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage.
Market Diversification and Support: Support farmers in diversifying their markets, including local food systems, direct-to-consumer sales, and value-added products.
Policy Advocacy and Support: Advocate for policies that support the agricultural sector, including fair trade practices, access to affordable inputs, and labor policies that ensure a stable workforce.
Education and Extension Services: Provide education and extension services to help farmers adopt new technologies, improve efficiency, and implement best management practices.
By addressing these threats through a combination of proactive planning, supportive policies, and sustainable practices, Manatee County can help ensure the long-term viability of its agricultural industry.