Florida Peanut Federation reviews proposed guidelines from Florida Department of Environmental Protection

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – Agricultural experts in North Central Florida are discussing state water regulations that could impact farmers.

Florida Peanut Federation leaders discussed new guidelines proposed by Florida Department of Environmental Protection officials.

They would change the amount of water farmers can draw from the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers.

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Thursday’s debate follows a statewide meeting to gather public input.

“The question of the day is what is the impact on farmers in north central Florida? And when DEP presented the draft at the public workshop for public comment, it was a very vague overview. So today we are reading the draft line by line, really looking at the potential implications that it may have,” said Laura Goss, executive director of the Florida Peanut Federation.

Farmers attended the meeting to contribute their needs.

The state’s proposal could be finalized within 12 to 18 months.

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