Commissioner Charles Bronson                      

Some of the questions asked of Commissioner Bronson in this interview were:

• It may come as a surprise to our listeners that Agriculture is one of Florida’s top two economic mainstays – meaning that the health of our economy depends heavily on it. Can you comment on this and also on the general scope of the agricultural sector in Florida?

• It seems, as we have become more and more urbanized, that for most people there is a basic disconnect between the food that we consume and an understanding of where that food comes from. If you ask many a schoolchild where particular food items come from, the response is likely to be, Publix or Winn Dixie. Can you comment on this trend in perspective and how it could affect, or perhaps already has affected, agriculture?

• Growth and development are happening at a rapid pace in our state. From a broad perspective, how do you think this has affected agriculture in Florida and what do you project for the future?

• What can you say about what’s being referred to as "rural sprawl”, or the spread of development from urban areas toward and into traditionally rural areas? And also, as the rural lands are more in demand for development, the financial pressure for agricultural land owners to sell their land for these purposes?

• With the trends as they are, will there be enough appropriate land toproduce the food and other agricultural products needed to keep Florida strong? And are steps needed to ensure that more land is kept in agricultural use?

• Are there steps that can be taken to strengthen the family farm and smaller farm owners so that it is more economically viable for them to hold on to their land and keep their farms operational?     

• Sustainability is somewhat of a popularized movement these days. What does the term “sustainable agriculture” mean, and how do we achieve it?

• Looking at sustainability in even broader terms, what is your view on the value of bolstering community-based farms and local farmers markets so that local residents have ready access to food sources – whether in cases of emergency (such as the threat of terrorism) or in general?

• Water and energy are said to be the lifeblood of our state. With water, the needs relate to both quality and quantity, and we have several questions in this regard. The first is on water supply, since agriculture consumes a significant amount of water. With growth trends as they are, and thereby more demand for water resources, what can you say about water for agriculture in this context; and would you care to share any related thoughts on state water policy?

• Agriculture also requires quality water in order to produce quality agricultural products. Can you speak to that as well from the standpoint of water policy, land use practices and any other respects?

• Certain agricultural practices – such as those involving fertilizing lands, applying pesticides to produce and the use of feedlots that are subject to runoff -- have been criticized as a source of water pollution. What steps are being taken, and can be taken, to address water quality controls for agriculture?

• As the need for more energy sources and supply increases, so has interest in agriculture as a source of energy. Some in the environmental community promote biomass and bio-fuels as a future energy source, while others object and express concerns about environmental consequences. What is your general view on this subject? What involvement does your agency have and how can environmental impacts be addressed?  

• The Florida Forever program – and its predecessor, Preservation 2000 – have provided for preservation of lands throughout the state by placing them in public ownership. Florida Forever funding will soon expire and state leaders will need to decide on its future. Do you believe that replacement funding should be established by the state, and can you elaborate on that topic?

•  Through your role as a Cabinet officer, you have other opportunities to affect the future of the environment when it comes to land resources. In what ways are you involved in that capacity and are there issues that you have a particular concern about for the future?

• The security of our nation and state is something that affects everyone. What can you say about the significance of agriculture from the standpoint of national security vulnerabilities, as well as security needs and plans for the future? 

Excerpts from Questions of Carol Browner

February 2007 Interview

• You’ve been a leader in the environmental field for many years. From a broad standpoint, how do you see the environment as faring at this point in time, and what needs do you think are most important for the future?

• You served for eight years as head of the Environmental Protection Agency (in the Clinton Administration) and as a member of the President’s Cabinet.  I understand you were also the longest serving Administrator in EPA’s history. As you look back now on these roles, what are one or two (two or three) of the accomplishments that you feel most proud about?

• If you were there now and could wave your magic wand, what one or two issues would you tackle first and toward what end?

• Before your national role, you served as Secretary of Florida's Department of Environmental Regulation, one of the nation's largest state environmental agencies. You’re also a Florida native. Have you any observations or recommendations to share on how Florida is now doing environmentally and our needs for the future?

• One of the ways in which your involvement in the environmental realm continues is through your current role as chair of National Audubon Society. What are your top priorities in that role?

• Growth has a significant impact on the environment, and Florida can serve as somewhat of a case study for that. What are your thoughts on the relationship between growth and the environment, and what are some of the actions you feel are important to minimizing adverse impacts?  

• At EPA you played a major role in bringing attention and action to the issue of brownfields. With the extent of urbanization and redevelopment happening in Florida, do you have any insights or advice to share for Floridians in this regard (as well as other fast growth states or regions)?

• Energy is an issue that has been important for many years but only in the past couple of years has it been returning to the forefront of attention with decision makers and the public. What issues in the energy realm do you think are most important at this time at the state level?

• You served as Legislative Director for then-Senator Al Gore, who is prominent in the news these days on the subject of global warming. And through your work in the Clinton Administration, you played a leadership role on this issue. How would you summarize your thoughts on this subject?
• Safeguarding public health was part of your charge with the EPA. Could you comment on the connection between health of the environment and public health (or the short and long term health of people)?

• You spearheaded efforts to protect the FloridaEverglades. Why was, and is, this important for Florida -- and does its significance go beyond our state?

• As Administrator of the EPA, you were known for having built unique and effective partnerships with business leaders, community advocates, and all levels of government. Can you tell us about that and, especially, how approaches like the ones you employed can help with the challenges now facing Florida as well as the nation?

•  So The Albright Group -- who you’re a Principal with in Washington, D.C.-- is referred to as a “global strategy firm”. What does that mean and how would you summarize your work with The Albright Group?

• You've been in a number of leadership roles and, if you could, please share with our listeners a few of the qualities that you regard as especially important in a leader.