On Wednesday, January 24, the University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation Planning and 1000 Friends of Florida released a new statewide GIS-based report, Agriculture 2040/2070. This report, downloadable maps, webinar broadcast, and more are available at 1000fof.org/ag2040-2070.
This study explores possible impacts of development and sea level rise on Florida’s agricultural lands and their conservation values. Building on the earlier Sea Level 2040/2070 study, it incorporates more comprehensive data on agriculture.
Florida’s agricultural lands provide essential ecosystem services including protecting water supply and quality, providing flood control, supporting climate resilience, sequestering carbon, harboring wildlife, promoting outdoor recreation, and more.
Agriculture is also a cornerstone of Florida’s economy. According to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science (IFAS), the direct economic contributions of the agriculture, natural resource, and food industries in 2019 included $106 billion in sales and 1,279,638 jobs.
Agriculture 2040/2070 sheds light on the significant threats facing these lands, and what can be done to lessen impacts over the coming decades.
We hope you'll take a few minutes to check out the website and read the report to learn more about this critical issue.
