Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Agricultural Development Program Met Standards, But Activities Should Become Financially Self-Supporting

Report 01-60, November 2001




Report Summary

  • The Agricultural Economic Development Program has met or exceeded most of the legislative performance standards in Fiscal Years 1999-00 and 2000-01.
  • The state farmers' markets system could improve its effectiveness and become self-sufficient by closing and/or combining several markets and implementing planned efficiency measures.
  • The Florida State Fair Authority should assume full responsibility for operating the Florida State Fair, which would eliminate the need for the department to provide approximately $134,000 in support services. Alternatives for disposing of the state-owned fairgrounds will also need to be considered.
  • The program should increase the number of inbound agricultural shipments that are inspected, which would assist in the collection of additional tax revenues, by reducing the practice of diverting manpower from agricultural inspection stations to perform other assignments.
  • Developing an annual marketing plan and identifying the financial impact of major marketing campaigns can improve the program's economic development activities.


Related Reports
  1. Progress Report: Program Improves Measurement and Interdiction Activities; Still Supports the State Fair and Dependent Markets
    Report 04-28 March 2004
  2. Some Funding Shifts Are Possible for the State's Food Safety and Quality Program
    Report 01-53 November 2001
  3. General Revenue Savings Possible in Consumer Protection Program
    Report 01-51 November 2001
  4. Forest Protection Program Meets Most Standards; Could Achieve Further Savings
    Report 01-36 August 2001
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
agriculture, farmers' markets, marketing, bills of lading, livestock, citrus canker, animals, shellfish, plants, aquaculture, seafood, trade shows