Agriculture is a mainstay of the Miami-Dade economy and comprises a substantial portion of Commissioner Sorenson's district. Commissioner Sorenson has worked tirelessly to find ways to keep the Redland a vibrant agricultural area. She has worked to limit residential sprawl, created opportunities to protect the rural character of the Redland, and advocated for the creation of a voluntary development rights program to help farmers stay farming and the creation of a special "Agriculture Liaison " within the County Manager's Office to help resolve issues between the agricultural community and the County. Additionally, the Commissioner is seeking ways to promote locally produced agricultural products, and is working with Miami International Airport to develop a public awareness campaign about agricultural pests unintentionally being brought in through the airport.
Developing Farm-linked Business Opportunities
Agriculture remains a major economic driver for Miami-Dade. The industry has shown resilience in the face of hurricanes, urban encroachment, and unfair trade policies. In order for farming to prosper as a way of life in Miami-Dade, the industry must have the tools necessary to adapt to challenges and opportunities.
To that end, Commissioner Sorenson has advocated for diversified business opportunities for agriculture. She has advocated for agritourism opportunities in the Redland farm area. She has also worked to make sure smart growth development in South Miami-Dade reflects the needs of agriculture. Many of these planned town centers are along the old packing house properties that served the freight rail line, and many of these communities are seeking to re-establish their connection to agriculture through the creation of farmers markets and other farm-linked businesses along the busway.
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Growing Crops for Fuel
And now the Commissioner is working to bring "fuel crops" and biofuel production to Miami-Dade County. There are a number of crops being studied here that have the potential to yield high amounts of feedstock for the burgeoning fuel ethanol and biodiesel industry. Miami-Dade, with the help of our agriculturalists, could become more energy independent by replacing fossil fuels with farm-grown fuels.
Creating Voluntary Farmland Conservation Easements
Commissioner Sorenson advocated for the establishment of a "Purchase of Development Rights" program that will help farmers stay farming and protect agricultural land from development. The program was included as part of the “Building Better Communities” bond plan that was approved by voters in 2004. Now willing farmers can offer conservation easements that will protect eligible properties from development for at least 25 years. If accepted into the program, the County will purchase the agricultural business’ available development rights in exchange for the guarantee that the land cannot be used for anything other than farming.
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