5 Fantasy Headline Fails Florida Growers Would Appreciate [Opinion]
November 17, 2015 
Nearly one year ago in a similarly posted op-ed, I reviewed 2014 by taking a look back at the top headlines that affected Florida’s specialty agriculture market. What resonated with readers wasn’t surprising given the gravity of ag employment, HLB funding, international competition, etc.
To make it more interesting, I threw out five appealing fantasy headlines for the 2015 campaign. Keep in mind, I did this projective exercise for fun. Levity often is needed when scanning back through the realities of recent history.
Along those same lines, let’s see how I scored with my heady predictions.
#1. EPA Follows Florida’s Lead On Water
Considering all the current wranglings around WOTUS, I’d think it’s safe to say this is a fantasy fail. But, there’s still a chance that could change. As of this posting, the controversial Clean Water Act was put on a nationwide delay thanks to a ruling from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. The delay was put in place to try and sort out litigious issues regarding flaws in the rule’s writing.
Amid all the legal matters surrounding WOTUS, agriculture commissioner Adam Putnam continues to push for a comprehensive, flexible, statewide water policy. Hoping to avoid a water crisis, this kind of proactive approach is exactly what we need to lead the pack instead of being swept up in a sea of red tape.
Sound science and common sense rose to the surface a few years ago during the numeric nutrient criteria kerfuffle. The same can happen again.
Photo by Frank Giles
#2. Orange Crop Surges Past Forecast
This one might seem like an obvious “no.” However, it all is in how you look at it. The final tally of the 2014-2015 season, despite being the lowest total in 50 years, actually came in slightly higher than the final 96.4 million box forecast from USDA. Count that as a moral victory.
No, the tiny bump in yield definitely wasn’t a “surge,” but it was a positive note to end on.
Now, as far as 2015-2016 numbers are concerned, let’s just keep a positive mindset for now and see how it plays out.
#3. Farm Labor Plentiful In Wake Of Immigration Reform
This stab certainly was a pipedream. Thinking the feds would accomplish this immense task was quite ambitious. Having an adequate laborforce on U.S. farms has been and continues to be a major issue. Unfortunately, that doesn’t look to change in the near future. Perhaps this could be a fantasy headline for the year 2025? Of course, robots might be added into the verbiage.
#4. Scientists Find Citrus Greening Cure
We are close, but no cigar — yet. The strides made during the past year alone in HLB-resistant citrus rootstock and scion development should signify tangible hope for the future. Add to that the potential nanotechnology and biotechnology have in ridding this scourge should be enough to keep growers holding on. It’s not too late.
This headline is coming, but it probably will be modified to read: “Scientists, Growers Find Citrus Greening Cure.”
#5. Florida Grower® Magazine Editor Wins Powerball
Alas, this is still a fantasy or else I might not have written this piece. Eh, what would I do with all that money anyway? Oh, the possibilities.
We’re just weeks away from a new year. Let’s aim high.
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