Adam Putnam Announces UF Panel to Discuss 500 Years of Florida Agriculture

The Florida Department of Agriculture announced today that Commissioner Adam Putnam, in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, will host a panel discussion commemorating 500 years of agriculture in Florida on Jan. 24.

Even before Florida was discovered by European settlers in 1513, Florida was a land of bounty that provided fresh and wholesome foods to its native inhabitants, Putnam said in a statement. Over the last 500 years, agriculture has grown to become the strongest pillar of Floridas economy. Today, the agriculture industry has a $100 billion impact on Floridas economy and supports nearly 1 million jobs.

The panel discussion begins at 6 p.m. at the University of Floridas Straughn IFAS Extension Professional Development Center in Gainesville. Prior to the panel discussion, guests will be able to browse exhibits, view historic demonstrations and enjoy refreshments, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

This is the first event of a year-long series of events Putnam will host in partnership with universities and colleges throughout the Sunshine State.

Further information about the Jan. 24 panel can be found here.