FL H0645

Creates the Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Advisory Council within the Department of Agriculture consisting of 12 members appointed by the commissioner, with initial members serving staggered 1-year and 2-year terms, then 2-year terms thereafter.

Council must submit annual findings and recommendations to the commissioner addressing challenges facing aspiring farmers and ranchers in early career stages, including issues related to land access, credit and capital availability, and business skills training.

Establishes a website clearinghouse providing young and beginning farmers and ranchers with access to local, state, federal, and private sources of grants, loans, scholarships, and resources on finance and business planning.

Clearinghouse must include resources available to beginning agricultural producers defined as veterans under Florida Statutes section 1.01.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.