FL S1398

Creates the Florida Crop Diversification Commission as a 9-member body adjunct to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, composed of the commissioner or designee, the UF IFAS dean for research or designee, and 7 members appointed by the commissioner with experience in agricultural production, processing, manufacturing, packing, or marketing

Directs the commission to evaluate alternative agricultural crops that could provide economic benefits to growers using existing infrastructure on land taken out of production by diseases or adverse weather conditions

Requires the commission to contract with a qualified nonprofit organization to design and implement the Florida Crop Diversification Initiative, which must provide direct cash payments to nurseries and agricultural producers to stimulate adoption of alternative crops and speed economic recovery

Mandates an annual report to the Governor, Senate President, and House Speaker by July 1, 2026, and each July 1 thereafter, detailing recommended crops, their environmental impact, climate suitability, expected economic benefits, and best practices for sustaining the agricultural industry

Appropriates $500,000 in nonrecurring funds from the General Revenue Fund for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for implementation