INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL/LOSS OF "MINOR CROP" TOOLS 

Conclusion: Need to find ways to reduce the impact on profitability caused by exotic and invasive plants, pests and diseases that often accompany shipments and passengers coming into the state

Suggested Actions: Here are several ways in which this might be done:

"Need special emphasis on detection and interdiction of exotic plants, insects and pests." As Mike Stuart says: 

"Reducing the impact of foreign plant and animal pests and diseases will require significant improvements in exclusion, detection and eradication methods.

"State and federal government agencies that are responsible for protecting agriculture from the introduction of exotic pests must be provided sufficient resources at key points of entry, such as port facilities. 

"Penalties must be significantly increased for those who knowingly smuggle contraband products. 

"And, the traveling public must be better educated about the consequences of bringing potentially infested fruits, vegetables, meat products and other possible hosts into the state."

These objectives should be incorporated into a well-coordinated, statewide effort that acts cooperatively, collectively, and decisively to address the problems of invasive and noxious species:

Adopt, or coordinate with strategy being developed by the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force's Noxious Exotic Weed Task Team (NEWTT):

Concept 1: Organize, Coordinate & Plan: Marshall statewide actions and resources on invasive exotic plants to provide integrated, consistent, cost efficient and effective weed management; 

Concept 2: Prevent, Detect & Assess: Prevent the development of new and eradicate incipient weed populations in natural areas;

Concept 3: Assess, Control, Manage & Restore: Reduce the impact, and contain the distribution of existing significant weed problems;

Concept 4: Inform, Advise & Educate: Generate internal and external support and awareness for invasive exotic plant/species control and management

Recommendation: