O Crist-mas Trees, O Crist-mas Trees

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Cabinet members will be presented Christmas trees grown in Florida by the Florida Christmas Tree Association on Wednesday.

Franco and Sigrid Camacho, who own theBavarian Christmas Tree Farm in Tallahassee, will present trees to Crist, CFO Alex Sink, Attorney General Bill McCollum, and Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson who will host the event.

Bronson said on Tuesday that he hoped his fellow Floridians will buy trees raised in the Sunshine State.

"Artificial trees are primarily manufactured overseas largely out of metals and plastic, so after disposal they remain in a landfill for centuries," said Bronson. "Real Christmas trees are renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. While growing they absorb carbon dioxide and other gases, emit fresh oxygen, stabilize the soil, protect water supplies and provide refuge for wildlife. Florida-grown trees don't have to be transported long distances, thus saving energy. And, buying from local farms helps local economies."