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BUREAU OF
PLANT & APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013
Tyson R. Emery, Bureau Chief
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND
CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner
DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY Richard D. Gaskalla, Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Personnel 3
Introduction 12
Nursery Inspection Statistics 13
Stock Dealer Inspection Statistics 14
Fees Collected 15
Plants and Nurseries Under Inspection by County 16
Nursery Stock Classification & Kind 18
Violations, Quarantines, IFA Certification, Commercial Citrus Nursery Inspection 19
Boll Weevil, Casuarina, Aquatic Harvesting Permits, Endangered Plant Harvesting & Survey Activities
20
Pest Detection Records, Nematode Certification Activities 21
Trapping Activities, Citrus Tree Survey 22
Export Certification & Consumer Assistance 23
Caribbean Fruit Fly Protocol Program 24
Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Report 25
Giant African Land Snail 26
Detector Dog Inspection Program 27
Apiary Inspection 28
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION PERSONNEL
Tyson Emery Bureau Chief Gainesville
Sheila McMahon Staff Assistant Gainesville
Bryan Benson Assistant Chief, Plant Inspection Gainesville
Stephen Hildebrandt Environmental Specialist III Gainesville
L. Wayne Clifton Environmental Specialist III Palmetto
Kathy A. Esdelle Distributed Computer Systems Specialist Gainesville
Glenda Anderson Senior Word Processing Systems Operator Gainesville
Cathy Daniels Senior Word Processing Systems Operator Gainesville
Amber Totten Staff Assistant Gainesville
Donna Pons Staff Assistant Gainesville
Maria Lucy Furnas OPS Senior Clerk Gainesville
Raian Khan OPS Senior Clerk Gainesville
Debra Roush Staff Assistant Palmetto
REGION I
Christine Zamora Environmental Supervisor II Gainesville
Kelly Douglas Administrative Secretary Gainesville
M. Janie Echols Environmental Supervisor I Gainesville
Mikaela Anderson Environmental Specialist I Milton
Michael Bentley Environmental Specialist I Monticello
Teresa Estok Environmental Specialist I Glen St Mary
Cheryl A. Jones Environmental Specialist I Gainesville
Sol Looker Environmental Specialist I Palatka
Larry W. Smith Environmental Specialist I Panama City
W. Wayne Bailey Environmental Specialist I Trenton
Michael Dornberg Agricultural Technician II Gainesville
Pat Hamilton Environmental Supervisor I Tavares
Shelly M. Wayte Environmental Specialist I Ocala
Stephen Jenner Environmental Specialist I Inverness
Mary C. Sellers Environmental Specialist I Tavares
Harry L. Morrison Environmental Specialist I Tavares
Holly Alred Environmental Specialist I Tavares
Charlie L. Spriggs Environmental Specialist I Tavares
Tommie R. Powers Environmental Specialist I Tavares
Wayne L. Nicols Agricultural Technician II Tavares
L. Mike Hatcher Agricultural Technician II Tavares
Robert Lawton Agricultural Technician III Inverness
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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Tracy Wright Environmental Supervisor I Deland
Katheleen Theriault Environmental Specialist I Palatka
Lisa Hassell Environmental Specialist I Jacksonville
Stacey S. Simmons Environmental Specialist I Deland
Karen J. Coffey Environmental Specialist I Port Orange
Kevin S. Loadholtz Environmental Specialist I Deland
Jess V. Smith Environmental Specialist I Port Orange
REGION II
Serena Stornaiuolo Environmental Supervisor II Apoka
Lisa Dabbah Administrative Secretary Apoka
Leslie Wilber Environmental Supervisor I Apopka
George A. Warden Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Lance A. Brown Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Bryce Merritt Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Jesse M. Krok Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Kathy A. Gonzalez Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Anthony Puppelo Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Larry Violett Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Edgardo Vargas Environmental Specialist I Apopka
Wayland (Chuck) Smith Agricultural Technician II Apopka
Karen S. Koby Agricultural Technician II Apopka
Helen A. Smith Environmental Supervisor I Dade City
Daniel Merced Environmental Specialist I Dade City
Albert L. Wright Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
VACANT Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
Susan Distelberg Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
Karen Destefano Environmental Specialist I Dade City
Diana E. Bozeman Environmental Specialist I Dade City
Jodi Bixler Agricultural Technician II Dade City
Frank M. Lennard Agricultural Technician II Winter Haven
Richard A. White Environmental Supervisor I Clearwater
Jason Spiller Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
Thomas S. Lastrapes Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
Mark A. Spearman Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
Gabriella M. Bernard Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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Linda Mc Ray Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
William J. Salway Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
Bobbe A. Rose Environmental Specialist I Clearwater
Sammy Campbell Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Matt Hovatter Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Dan A. Chizar Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Calvin Snyder Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Deborah Simmons Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Danielle Passerello Agricultural Technician II Clearwater
Carlos Averhoff-Chirino Environmental Supervisor I Ft. Pierce
Scott D. Berryman Environmental Specialist I Avon Park
Anthony Gubler Environmental Specialist I Cocoa
Megan Lynch Environmental Specialist I Cocoa
Jeanie Kennedy Environmental Specialist I Vero Beach
Dagne A. Vasquez Environmental Specialist I Ft. Pierce
Richard Bloom Environmental Specialist I Avon Park
Keith Clanton Environmental Specialist i Avon Park
Mario Perez Agricultural Technician II Vero Beach
Teresa Ortelli Agricultural Technician II Fort Pierce
Joseph S. Hawk Environmental Supervisor I Bradenton
J. Eddie Anderson Environmental Specialist I Bradenton
Jason B. Sharp Environmental Specialist I Bradenton
Susan Youngblood Environmental Specialist I Bradenton
K. Lea Etchells Environmental Specialist I Bradenton
Mary S. Williams Agricultural Technician II Bradenton
Rhonda Teachey Agricultural Technician II Bradenton
Patricia A. Bussell Agricultural Technician II Bradenton
Howard L. Wallace Environmental Supervisor I Tampa
Travis J. Streeter Environmental Specialist I Tampa
William Stokes Environmental Specialist I Tampa
Brandon McCauley Environmental Specialist I Tampa
Jose Llanos Environmental Specialist I Tampa
Emily Keen Environmental Specialist I Tampa
Maria Echevarria-Garcia Agricultural Technician II Tampa
VACANT Agricultural Technician II Tampa
Louis C. Smith Agricultural Technician II Tampa
William A. Counts Agricultural Technician II Tampa
Willie Halmon Agricultural Technician II Tampa
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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Charles G. Davis Agricultural Technician II Tampa
Charles Smith Agricultural Technician II Tampa
Marvin L. Nelson Agricultural Technician II Tampa
REGION III
Scott Shea Environmental Supervisor II Miami
Elsie Aviles Administrative Secretary Miami
Esteban Godinez Agricultural Technician II Miami
Ray T. Buchholz Environmental Supervisor I West Palm Beach
Jorge P. Gomez Environmental Specialist I Palm City
B. Marie Clark Environmental Specialist I West Palm Beach
Joaothomaz Da Fonseca Environmental Specialist I Belle Glade
Rich Tordi Environmental Specialist I West Palm Beach
LeAnn M. West Environmental Specialist I Palm City
James C. Lee Environmental Specialist I West Palm Beach
Michael L. Cartrett Environmental Specialist I Belle Glade
Jorge Quevedo Environmental Specialist I Delray Beach
Antonio I. Perez Environmental Specialist I Boyton Beach
Eduardo Solis Environmental Specialist I West Palm Beach
Ellen Tannehill Environmental Supervisor I Pompano Beach
Sallie H. Simmons Environmental Specialist I Boyton Beach
Richard Tordi Environmental Specialist I Boyton Beach
J. Keith Harris Environmenal Specialist I Pompano Beach
Michelle Leonard Environmental Specialist I Pompano Beach
Nury M. Marrone Environmental Specialist I Davie
Steve Beidler Environmental Specialist I Davie
Gangadai Azore Environmental Specialist I Davie
Frank A. Burgos Environmental Specialist I Davie
Lane Smith Environmental Specialist I Delray Beach
Sue M. Alspach Environmental Specialist I Boyton Beach
Joan Lawrence Agricultural Technician II Davie
Carlene Sargeant Agricultural Technician II Davie
Charles Gonzalez Environmental Supervisor I Hialeah
Haydee I. Escobar Environmental Specialist I Hialeah
Olga Garcia Environmental Specialist I Hialeah
Rebecca Sanders Environmental Specialist I Hialeah
Juan Garcia Lopez Environmental Specialist I Miami
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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Keith J. Richardson Environmental Specialist I Hialeah
Duraid Hanna Environmental Specialist I Miami
Misael E Igarza Environmental Specialist I Hialeah
Merlene Francious Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Miguel Hernandez Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Gloria Gonzalez Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Carlos M. Pelegrin Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Sergio Delgado Agricultural Technician II Miami
Juan Revuelta Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Juan C. Ochoa Agricultural Technician II Hialeah
Rosamaria M. Quinones Environmental Supervisor I Miami
Ciro Millian Environmental Specialist I Miami
Maria Acosta Environmental Specialist I Miami
Marietta Figueroa Environmental Specialist I Miami
Juan Menendez Environmental Specialist I Miami
Haylett Cruz-Escoto Environmental Specialist I Miami
Luis Bradshaw Environmental Specialist I Florida City
Jake Farnum Environmental Specialist I Florida City
Melba A. Otero Environmental Specialist I Miami
Ana L. Ochoa Environmental Specialist I Florida City
Karen W. LeBoutillier Environmental Specialist I Florida City
Juan A. Aleman-Martinez Agricultural Technician II Miami
Eric DelRisco Arrocha Agricultural Technician II Miami
Matt W. Brodie Environmental Supervisor I Naples
Walter W. Golden Environmental Specialist I Ft. Myers
Mark Terrell Environmental Specialist I Labelle
Scott D. Kreuger Environmental Specialist I Labelle
Roberto Delcid Environmental Specialist I Naples
Leonora J. Coleman Environmental Specialist I Naples
Richard J. Nanneman Environmental Specialist I Naples
Richard L. Blaney Environmental Specialist I Ft. Myers
Edward A. Ziegler Agricultural Technician II Naples
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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CITRUS NURSERY INSPECTION
Justin T. Ezell Environmental Supervisor II Winter Haven
Jason A. Johnson Environmental Supervisor I Avon Park
Donald G. Taylor Environmental Specialist I Avon Park
Peter Carbon Environmental Specialist I Gainesville
Ashley Nolen Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
Johnny J. Yates Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
Craig J. Landress Environmental Specialist I Avon Park
Randall A. Dean Environmental Specialist I Winter Haven
CITRUS TREE SURVEY
Warren J. Dowling Environmental Supervisor I Dade City
Kathy D. Morgan Environmental Specialist I Palmetto
Carrie Karppe Environmental Specialist I Dade City
Lavinia Hancock Environmental Specialist I Avon Park
Charles D. Wolfe Environmental Specialist I Labelle
Janet L. Young Environmental Specialist I Vero Beach
APIARY INSPECTION
David Westervelt Assistant Chief, Apiary Inspection Gainesville
Cathy Deweese Administrative Secretary Gainesville
Gary Van Cleef Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Gainesville
Carl D. Corbin Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Milton
Jeffrey D. Pippin Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Bristol
William I. Langston Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Bristol
Rob Horsburgh Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Jacksonville
Robert Craig Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Tavares
John R. Claxton Jr. Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Jacksonville
Ryan Willingham Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Gainesville
Mark Dykes Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Winter Haven
Jerry Crews Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Sebring
VACANT Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Vero Beach
Jeremy Crews Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Palm City
D. Fred Howard Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Labelle
Lisa Reynes Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Dade City
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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CARIBBEAN FRUIT FLY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Christine Frere Environmental Specialist III Ft. Pierce
Marilyn Quigley Administrative Secretary Ft. Pierce
Denise Marshall Certification Specialist Ft. Pierce
Barbara Scher Senior Clerk Ft. Pierce
Lisa Whiteman Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Ft. Pierce
Toni Weaver Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Ft. Pierce
John Serra Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Ft. Pierce
Patrick Armao Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Brandon J. Morgan Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Elias Supremo Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Katie Sue Weingarten Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Duane Smith Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Paul Sinnott Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Ft. Pierce
Mike Schlueter Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Ft. Pierce
Susan Scelzi Agricultural Technician III Ft. Pierce
Jay Towler Agricultural Technician III Ft. Pierce
Alan Goldberg OPS Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Brandon Morgan OPS Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Daniel Ochse OPS Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Jean Blackwood OPS Agricultural Technician II Ft. Pierce
Carol McKenzie Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Vero Beach
John Quigley Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Vero Beach
Thomas Wilkus Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Vero Beach
Delores Coffman Agricultural Technician III Vero Beach
John Wiggins Agricultural Technician II Vero Beach
Timothhy Bilyeu Agricultural Technician II Vero Beach
Ewa Kurtycz Agricultural Technician II Vero Beach
Joyce Willis Agriculture and Consumer Protection Supervisor Labelle
Ted A. Phillips Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Winter Haven
Lisa A. Blakey Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Labelle
Joseph Creazzo Agricultural Technician II Winter Haven
Mary J. Graham Agricultural Technician II Labelle
Karen Noland Agricultural Technician II Labelle
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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DETECTOR DOG PROGRAM
Michael Sabato Environmental Specialist III Miami
Jennifer Mestas Environmental Specialist II Miami
Ives Lopez Environmental Specialist II Miami
Greg Farina Environmental Specialist II Apopka
Karen Holton Environmental Specialist II Winter Haven
GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL PROGRAM
William Torres Program Director Miami
Kathleen Wyatt Environmental Specialist I Miami
Julio Rodriguez Staff Assistant Miami
Maria Chong Qui OPS Senior Clerk Miami
Alejandro Cepero Diaz OPS Senior Clerk Miami
Mary Yong-Cong Biological Scientist IV Miami
Wiscounsin Gore Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Miami
Sherry Steele Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Miami
Sergio Riveron Ponomarenko
Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Miami
Dexavior Smith Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Miami
Marcus Jones II Agriculture and Consumer Protection Specialist Miami
Esteban Godinez OPS Environmental Specialist I Miami
Gabriel Collazo OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Stanley Pigniat OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Carlos Cambana OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Meybel Lopez OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Carlos Aguilera OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Earl Dalberry OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Juan Fernandez Perez OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Mildred Cardet OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Carolina Reece OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Nubia Tapias OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Margarita Diaz OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Pedro Buzzi OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Dennis Acosta OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Robert Shim OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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Consuelo Hernandez OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Nila Danza OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Willy Romulus OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Alberto Guzman OPS Agricultural Technician IIi Miami
Reinaldo Casanas OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Juan Suarez OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
David Ortiz OPS Agricultural Technician III Miami
Emilio Armas OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Arabia Mirabal OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Omar Garcia OPS Agricultural Technician III Miami
Eduardo Castillo Salcedo OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Lorenna Dewitz OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Marvin Riggins OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Larry Bynum OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Yelitza Crespo Avila OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Efrain Rivera OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Sergio Riveron OPS Agricultural Technician III Miami
Gilberto Vasconcelos Villar OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Ruhamey Rodriguez Lopez OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Melissa Belcher OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Terence Brown OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Davenia Polydor OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
Stephanie Torres OPS Agricultural Technician II Miami
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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INTRODUCTION
The Bureau of Plant and Apiary Inspection is responsible for protecting Florida's agricultural industry and the public from the introduction and spread of serious plant and honeybee pests. This is accomplished by conducting regular inspections and surveys for the early detection of these pests. This bureau enforces Florida Statutes Chapter 570.32, 581, 586 and 593 as well as departmental rules 5B Florida Administrative Code pertaining to the movement of plants, plant products, honeybees, and honeybee products. The bureau compiles an annual report following the close of each fiscal year. This report contains statistical information on Florida nurseries, nursery stock dealers, nursery stock, beekeepers, honeybee colonies, export certification, and other activities relating to the bureau's responsibilities. This report is used as an organizational tool for planning bureau activities and budgetary needs. It is available to the public and the industry, and it provides frequently requested information concerning the plant and apiary industries in Florida.
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
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NURSERIES
The total number of active, registered nurseries reported under inspection for the 2012-2013 fiscal year was 7,186 compared to 7,884 active registered nurseries last year. Some nurseries have more than one location. The total number of nursery locations is 9,107. This compares to last year's total of 9,842 nursery locations. During the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year, 428 new nurseries were registered, compared to the 465 new registrations last year. During the same period, 786 nurseries were marked out-of-business. A total of 22,321 inspections were made at nursery locations this fiscal year. This compares with 19,380 inspections of nurseries reported last year. Plant Inspection personnel spent 49,249 hours working on nursery related issues.
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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NURSERY STOCK DEALERS
There were a total of 2,994 nursery stock dealer establishments with active registration at the end of fiscal year 2012-2013. This compares with 3,504 registered nursery stock dealer establishments last year. Some nursery stock dealers have multiple locations. The total number of registered nursery stock dealer locations is 9,149 at the end of fiscal year 2012-2013. This compares to 8,924 registered locations reported last year. During this period of time, 254 new nursery stock dealers were registered and 475 nursery stock dealers were marked out-of-business. This compares to 354 new registrations and 163 nursery stock dealers marked out-of-business last year. Plant Inspection personnel made 11,845 inspections of nursery stock dealer locations this fiscal year. This compares with 10,929 inspections of stock dealers last year. Plant Inspection personnel spent 14,477 hours working on stock dealer related issues.
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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FEES COLLECTED 2012-2013
CHARGE DESCRIPTION TOTAL COLLECTED
NURSERY CERTIFICATE FEES 454,750.40
STOCK DEALER FEES 259,273.80
APIARY FEES 63,540.00
SPECIAL INSPECTION FEES 990,711.01
SPECIAL INSPECTION APIARY 23,739.60
BOLL WEEVIL 127,776.56
PROTOCOL 1,203,449.80
RETURNED CHECKS 729.90
SERVICE CHARGE 270.00
INSECT ID 1,301.81
INTRO. PERMIT FEES 512.50
RECORDS REQUESTS (MISC) 1,393.76
BIO MASS 150.00
CASUARINA PERMITS 50.00
REIMBURSEMENTS 747.91
SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY 2,173.15
SALE OF GOODS & SERVICES 15,608.45
IRRADIATOR FEES 28,940.00
BIO CONTROL 10,137.50
BRS 4,070.04
INSURANCE RECOVERY 6,520.27
PRIOR YEAR REFUND 210.66
CURRENT YEAR REFUND 263.70
PUBLICATION REIMBURSEMENT 230.65
TOTAL $3,196,551.47
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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PLANTS AND NURSERIES UNDER INSPECTION BY COUNTY
2012-2013
COUNTY TOTAL ACRES TOTAL PLANTS TOTAL
NURSERIES
ALACHUA 1,221 7,083,478 181
BAKER 172 372,868 30
BAY 453 17,532 14
BRADFORD 8 63,290 11
BREVARD 1,154 1,161,829 196
BROWARD 1,862 6,824,877 499
CALHOUN 40 179,970 3
CHARLOTTE 383 314,739 41
CITRUS 343 1,883,939 88
CLAY 92 800,289 39
COLLIER 1,217 177,521,283 147
COLUMBIA 266 483,562 42
DESOTO 233 1,572,846 29
DIXIE 245 9,886 20
DUVAL 542 541,942 73
ESCAMBIA 54 200,720 44
FLAGLER 838 480,299 30
FRANKLIN 0 1,800 2
GADSDEN 529 11,852,130 18
GILCHRIST 472 910,578 38
GLADES 925 592,152 37
GULF 1 1,840 2
HAMILTON 111 60,676 12
HARDEE 2,840 5,710,253 40
HENDRY 3,035 39,342,461 58
HERNANDO 958 671,826 93
HIGHLANDS 2,401 7,756,974 96
HILLSBOROUGH 1,585 16,069,650 406
HOLMES 11 6,160 7
INDIAN RIVER 568 251,103 73
JACKSON 11 13,585 15
JEFFERSON 799 3,248,629 22
LAFAYETTE 187 258,867 9
LAKE 13,551 40,694,451 284
LEE 3,640 3,627,901 216
LEON 87 171,204 37
LEVY 1,796 4,282,467 44
LIBERTY 8 3,390 4
MADISON 143 2,155,980 20
MANATEE 1,255 5,513,179 131
MARION 1,141 1,190,600 186
MARTIN 2,927 1,572,646 154
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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PLANTS AND NURSERIES UNDER INSPECTION BY COUNTY
2012-2013
COUNTY TOTAL ACRES TOTAL PLANTS TOTAL
NURSERIES
MIAMI-DADE 19,879 84,224,867 1386
MONROE 23 39,952 34
NASSAU 161 54,617 14
OKALOOSA 30 37,163 19
OKEECHOBEE 3,132 311,602 23
ORANGE 1,782 34,469,048 355
OSCEOLA 356 2,499,261 55
PALM BEACH 5,382 24,315,014 446
PASCO 559 3,016,227 133
PINELLAS 109 411,910 198
POLK 1,251 9,194,987 227
PUTNAM 39 655,963 42
SANTA ROSA 321 1,657,099 54
SARASOTA 479 592,358 104
SEMINOLE 162 1,087,989 108
ST. JOHNS 60 779,444 41
ST. LUCIE 1,766 1,102,266 61
SUMTER 580 7,213,494 56
SUWANNEE 688 598,360 38
TAYLOR 106 427,509 18
UNION 11 19,194 6
VOLUSIA 5,261 2,602,445 246
WAKULLA 18 270,985 12
WALTON 12 10,880 8
WASHINGTON 7 14,860 11
SUMMARY 90,279 521,081,345 7,186
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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NURSERY STOCK CLASSIFICATION AND KIND
KIND OF STOCK 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013
Orange 2,838,203 2,749,358 1,857,386
Grapefruit 143,166 278,955 313,814
Lemons 42,641 11,202 31,101
Mandarin 92,543 150,724 147,639
Seedbed 2,811,810 4,071,597 3,647,799
Seedling 1,266,060 1,389,869 1,136,843
TOTAL CITRUS 7,194,423 8,651,705 7,134,582
Aquatics 1,096,206 1,165,088 1,137,616
Ornamentals 188,043,027 159,361,782 182,832,180
Shrubs 75,057,456 56,406,656 66,124,010
Caladiums & Other Bulbs 592,357 85,551 592,266
Vegetable Transplants 167,603,534 175,349,722 214,489,503
Fruit/Nut 2,880,495 2,487,733 2,775,118
Palms 16,543,104 16,490,618 21,819,912
Foliage 45,654,353 56,607,458 48,618,370
TOTAL NON-CITRUS 497,470,532 467,954,608 538,388,975
GRAND TOTAL 504,664,955 476,606,313 545,523,557
BUREAU OF PLANT AND APIARY INSPECTION
ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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QUARANTINES
VIOLATIONS AND STOP SALE & HOLD ORDERS
Between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, Division of Plant Industry personnel did not issue any administrative complaint letters, and there were no violations that resulted in monetary penalties. There were 779 stop-sale and hold orders for failure to renew annual registration. During the same period-of-time, 558 stop-sale and hold orders have been released as a result of fee payment or going out of business. Bureau personnel also issued 309 stop-sale and hold orders for pests and diseases regulated by Division Rule and Florida Administrative Code.
A number of plants were placed under quarantine this fiscal year to prevent further dissemination of potentially serious plant pests. 334 ‘new’ quarantines were issued to regulated entities during the past year. 133 ‘release from quarantine’ were processed during the same period of time.
As of June 30, 2013, there were 69 citrus propagating nurseries certified and inspected on a 30-day cycle representing 346 greenhouse structures. These locations consist primarily of commercial citrus nurseries for use in commercial citrus groves. Additionally there were five own-use nurseries, nine citrus research facilities, three dooryard citrus producers only and four commercial/dooryard citrus nurseries. Our inspectors are restricted from inspecting more than one nursery per day to prevent transport of citrus diseases/pests between nurseries. During this period, seven commercial citrus nurseries were impacted by quarantine actions resulting in the destruction or limited movement of exposed plants until released from quarantine. During this reporting period Plant Inspection Personnel spent 13,490 hours associated with inspection activities.
COMMERCIAL CITRUS NURSERY INSPECTION (CNI) PROGRAM
IMPORTED FIRE ANT (IFA) CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
As of June 30, 2013, there were 1,866 nurseries and stock dealers under compliance agreement for Imported Fire Ant certification purposes. This compares to a total of 1,890 nurseries and stock dealers under compliance on June 30, 2012. During this period, plant inspection personnel spent 8,662 hours associated with IFA activities.
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BOLL WEEVIL ERADICATION PROGRAM
At the close of the 2012 cotton-growing season, there were 544 commercial cotton producers in the state. These producers planted 102,952 acres of cotton in 23 counties. Throughout the 2012 cotton-growing season, there was no boll weevil trapped in the state.
CASUARINA CUNNINGHAMIANA WIND BREAK PILOT PROGRAM
Beginning in July 2008, the Casuarina cunninghamiana 5 year Windbreak Pilot Program was implemented by Chapter 581.091 Florida Statutes that allows registered nurseries to propagate Casuarina cunninghamiana from certified male source trees for planting as windbreaks under permit in commercial fresh fruit groves in the areas of India River, St. Lucie and Martin Counties. The pilot program has now reached the end of the five years. The Division has made a recommendation to the agency for regulatory updates to existing rules and statutes to continue the authorization to propagate Casuarina cunninghamiana under a limited permit. There are currently two propagation nursery sites under inspection and one location permitted for planting a windbreak. During this reporting period Plant Inspection Personnel spent 93 hours associated with Casuarina cunninghamiana inspection activities.
NON-PROHIBITED AQUATIC HARVESTING PERMITS
The Division of Plant Industry has regulatory authority of permitting for the importation, transportation, cultivation, collection, sale or possession of any aquatic plant. Non-prohibited aquatic plant harvesters are now required to be registered as a nursery and sign a compliance agreement/permit to harvest non-prohibited aquatics. For the period of July 1st, 2012 to June 30th, 2013, the division issued 14 aquatic harvesting permits. The Division currently has 27 active nurseries under compliance.
ENDANGERED PLANT HARVESTING PERMITS
Harvesting Endangered and Commercially Exploited plants requires individuals to have a permit issued by the Division of Plant Industry. Between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013, the division issued 60 permits compared to 49 permits issued during the same period last year.
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ANNUAL REPORT
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Pest Records Arthropods/Mollusca Diseases
New Host Records 43 20
New County Records 116 16
New State Records 4 3
New US Records 10 1
New to Continent 6 0
PEST DETECTION RECORDS
NEMATODE CERTIFICATION ACTIVITIES
Florida nursery stock is regulated for certain nematodes when shipped to California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, European Union (EU) and other countries. The Division of Plant Industry has seven designated positions responsible for conducting nematode sampling in order to meet certification requirements. During the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year, nematode certification personnel evaluated 1,139 ornamental nurseries consisting of 15,700.5 acres. During this reporting period, plant inspection personnel spent 13,247 hours related to nematode certification activities.
COMMERCIAL CITRUS NURSERY SITES APPROVED FOR PRE-MOVEMENT
There were no nematodes of citrus detected in citrus nurseries this year. During this fiscal year 59 citrus nursery sites consisting of 288 acres were sampled and approved for pre-movement of commercial citrus plants.
PITS
There were no nematodes of citrus detected in pits this year. During this fiscal year 35 soil pits consisting of 1,154 acres were sampled and approved for nematode certification.
ORNAMENTAL NURSERIES
SAMPLES TAKEN
A total of 5,478 samples were collected and processed from citrus nurseries, soil pits, and ornamental nurseries for nematode certification during the 2012-2013 year.
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FRUIT FLY DETECTION (FFD)
The bureau examines and services various insect traps throughout the state for the early detection of exotic pests. Details are summarized below.
Plant Inspection personnel tended 375,227 Jackson traps and 98,331 Multi-lure traps on a three week basis. In addition, USDA personnel tended 521,340 Jackson traps and 111,003 Multi-lure traps bringing the total number of traps statewide to. During this period Plant Inspection personnel spent 184,185 hours working on FFD related activities.
TRAPPING ACTIVITIES
GYPSY MOTH DETECTION
Plant Inspection personnel ran 242 gypsy moth traps throughout north Florida with no gypsy moths detected during fiscal year 2012-2013. During this period field personnel completed 726 trap servicings. Inspectors spent a total of 386 hours tending and servicing gypsy moth traps in 23 counties.
OTHER EXOTIC TRAPPING
Plant Inspection personnel tended 123 boll weevil, 1,016 light brown apple moth traps, 127 palm weevil and 220 emerald ash borer, 875 exotic trap servicing which include European corn borer, golden spotted oak borer, sweet potato weevil, tuta absoluta, Mexican rice borer and exotic wood boring beetle in 31counties. Plant Inspection
personnel spent 1,112 hours tending these traps.
CITRUS TREE SURVEY
Citrus Tree Survey (CTS) personnel conducted survey regulatory activities consisting of 7,418 hours during this reporting period. During this period, a total of 12,166 acres were surveyed for USDA annual citrus census, 8,200 acres for Citrus Pest Survey (PPD), and 160 acres for CHRP. CTS personnel also participated in the regulatory activities associated with Import/Export Inspection, and Agricultural Interdiction Station Inspections.
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EXPORT CERTIFICATION
Export Certification – allows for nurseries and nursery stock dealers to export plants and plant products out of the state and/or country. During the fiscal year 2012-2013, Plant Inspection personnel issued the following number of export certificates for plants and plant products destined to other states and countries.
State Phytosanitary Certificates 4,373 certificates
Federal Phytosanitary Certificates: 9,315 certificates
Federal Re-export Certificates: 391
Federal Processed Products: 71 certificates Canadian Greenhouse Certification – allows for nurseries to export to Canada based on quarterly inspections using authorized stickers in place of a phytosanitary certificate. We currently have 83 nursery locations under compliance and have authorized 7,370 stickers to be printed this year. Post Entry Quarantine – allows for the importation of prohibited plant material into the US. This is a federal program carried out in conjunction with inspections by state inspectors for a two year period. During the fiscal year 2012-2013 there were 13 post entry quarantine permits authorized and one disapproved by the USDA and the State of Florida. Also during the same period of time state inspectors conducted 71 post entry quarantine inspections on plant material. Canadian Blueberry Certification – allows for blueberry fruit shipments to enter Canada based on negative trapping surveys for the blueberry maggot using authorized stickers in place of a phytosanitary certificate. During the past fiscal year we certified 77 locations consisting of 3,232.3 acres in Florida and authorized the printing of 3,895 stickers to be printed. Tropical Spiderwort Certification – allows for commercial nursery shipments to meet the quarantine requirements of North Carolina in regards to freedom of the noxious weed, Tropical Spiderwort. At the present time there are 656 nursery locations under compliance for Tropical Spiderwort.
CONSUMER ASSISTANCE
Plant Inspection routinely assists consumers by responding to complaints and requests for
information or by investigating plant pest problems. From July 1, 2012 until June 30, 2013
there were 500 consumer requests received by the Division of Plant Industry Helpline and
forwarded to Plant Inspection for follow-up. The program areas of the calls included GALS,
Fruit Fly, CHRP, Laurel Wilt and Cone Head Termite.
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CARIBBEAN FRUIT FLY PROTOCOL PROGRAM
The Caribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Lowe), has been a serious pest of many tropical and sub-tropical fruits of central and south Florida. From the 1965 introduction in the Miami area to the present, this pest has caused concern for many Florida growers and consumers throughout the world. Due to the economic severity that is imposed on fresh fruits and the need to protect other areas of the world against this pest, rigid agricultural quarantines have been established to prevent the movement of infested material and to also provide a means for compliance. Based on studies conducted in the 1980s, a program was developed and implemented in Florida to certify citrus fruit as fly free. This program is still in effect today and is called the Caribbean Fruit Fly Protocol Program (CFFPP). Presently, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, the People’s Republic of China, and the states of California, Hawaii and Texas have accepted our fly-free certification procedure. During the 2012-2013 season there were 73,660 acres certified under CFFPP in 22 counties which produced 4,207,762 cartons of certified citrus. During the fiscal year 2012-2013, CFFPP personnel conducted the following number of inspections:
Acreage surveyed for preferred Caribfly hosts(including designated areas and buffer areas): 380,375
Fruit fly trap services: 55,366
Harvesting inspections: 11,459
Packing house inspections: 2,406 In addition to the above inspections, CFFPP personnel released 2,465,583 sterile Caribflies in the environs. Personnel dedicated 60,952.75 hours to the Caribbean Fruit Fly Protocol Program during the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
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Commodity # of Shipments # of Violations AAA MULTIPRODUCTS 13,238 183
ASTER 23 1
AVOCADO 473 1
BROCCOLI 1,185 8
CAULIFLOWER 351 2
CELERY 542 4
CHRYSANTHEMUM 6 0
CITRUS 2,978 25
CUCUMBERS 173 0
CUT CHRISTMAS TREE 47 2
CUT FERN 3 0
CUT FLOWERS 161 6
CUT FOLIAGE 68 7
FIREWOOD 8 2
GARDEN LETTUCE 3,764 51
GREEN ONIONS 346 23
HAY 35 3
LIME 613 0
MANGOES 271 2
MELON 1,270 0
NURSERY STOCK 998 140
OAK 3 0
ONION 1,639 1
ORGANIC VEGETABLES 959 4
OTHER-PLANT 1,677 72
PALMS 229 21
PEPPER 318 2
PINE STRAW 10 0
POTATO 1,381 1
PRODUCE-DOMESTIC 6,257 39
PRODUCE-FOREIGN 1,793 4
SEED POTATOES 69 2
SOD 46 5
SPINACH 679 3
SUGARCANE 3 3
TOMATO 867 1
UNKNOWN 219 1
TOTAL 42,702 619
OFFICE OF AGRICULTURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT REPORT OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS ENTERING FLORIDA
A total of 46,854 vehicles carrying plants and plant products were reported entering and exiting Florida through the agriculture inspection stations operated by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Unit during the 2012-2013 Fiscal Year. The commodities indicated below were reported from shipments entering Florida. Statistics provided by the Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement.
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GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL PROGRAM
During routine fruit fly monitoring activities, a snail specimen that had been collected by a homeowner in Miami Dade County was provided to a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry inspector and later identified by DPI, Florida Museum of Natural History and USDA APHIS PPQ taxonomic specialists as Achatina fulica, Giant African Land Snail (GALS). The specimen was collected on September 8, 2011 in the City of Miami, Miami-Dade County. Since the initial detection, over 124,000 snails have been collected on 561 properties in 21 core areas of infestation. Giant African Land Snails are a potential threat to a wide variety of crops, including vegetable, field, oil, ornamental and fruit crops. Our primary mission is to protect the health and value of American agricultural resources threatened by the establishment of exotic pests. Therefore, the first priority is to detect and/or mitigate economically important pest introductions to prevent production losses and/or trade disruption to U.S. growers and industry that would result from the establishment of economic pests and their spread. In addition, this agricultural pest poses a human health risk as a carrier of the rat lungworm (nematode) which can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Fifty-two personnel are assigned to the GALS program in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Program activities include six core teams carrying out survey, control, regulatory and outreach in their assigned areas based on positive cores. Survey and control activities involve biweekly inspections including the mechanical collection of GALS, molluscicides bait applications and debris removal. As of June 30, 2013 the following was completed by our survey and control teams:
72,316 inspections
34,992 properties bait treated
Over 350,000 pounds of debris removed
124,925 GALS collected Regulatory and outreach activities involve nursery, stock dealer, solid waste, recycling, transfer facilities, illegal dumpsite inspections and helpline calls. As of June 30, 2013 the following was completed by our regulatory and outreach teams:
1,118 nursery inspections
483 stock dealer inspections
642 solid waste/recycling/transfer station inspections
1,282 Lawn maintenance inspections
267 illegal dumpsite inspections
1909 helpline resolved
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JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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DETECTOR DOG INSPECTION PROGRAM
A primary objective of this initiative is to continue safeguarding our nations’ food and environmental security through early detection of exotic pests and pathogens that threaten our agricultural production and ecological systems. This project provides the opportunity for early identification and mitigation of plant pests through the use of detector dog technology directed for deployment at mail/parcel hubs and distribution centers. We currently have four canine teams deployed in Florida. Two teams are located in Central Florida and two teams located in Miami. Teams conduct daily inspections at private mail sort facilities targeting plant pests that may negatively impact Florida agriculture and the food supply. In addition to the four teams, FDACS-DPI has one program manager headquartered in Miami to supervise the handlers and oversee the detector dog program. Routine inspections using detector dog technology include detections of fruit, vegetables, plants and plant products mailed from within the state and into the state of Florida. Boxes containing regulated articles are required to be accompanied by an invoice or bill of lading indicating the contents, origin and destination. Many plant products require additional certification depending on the origin. High-risk target fruit identified through canine alerts include citrus, mangos, apples, pears, avacodo, lychee, kumquats and peaches. Most commercially packed gift fruits are inspected and released; however, high-risk fruit are inspected closely for regulated plant pests and the presence of fruit flies of economic importance. In the Orlando area inspections were conducted daily at FedEx Sanford, FedEx Sandlake Road, FedEx Southland and FedEx Bennett Road. In the Miami area inspections were conducted at FedEx Express, FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Ground Medley and FedEx Miramar and FedEx Homestead. During this reporting period FDACS-DPI personnel
dedicated over 2,166 hours associated with the Detector Dog Inspection program.
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2012-2013 Florida Registered Beekeepers 3,139
2011-2012 Florida Registered Beekeepers 2,617
2012-2013
Honey Bee Colonies Certified 350,771
Honey Bee Colonies Seasonally Transported Out of State 124,950
Number of States to which Bees are shipped 21
Honey Bee Colonies Entering the State of Florida 152,077
Number of States Shipping Bees into Florida 23
Number of African Honey Bee Samples identified in Apiary Bee Laboratory 1,123
APIARY INSPECTION – REGISTERED FLORIDA BEEKEEPERS
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BEEKEEPERS SHIPPING SUMMARY States shipping bees into Florida
States bees shipped to from Florida
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The Commercial Professional Apiculture (Beekeeping) Industry has for the short term adapted to:
1) Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)/Significant unanticipated honey bee colony
losses. Honey bee total colony losses over the 2012-2013 winter were dropped
to 20 - 25%. Over the previous three years winter loss survey data collected
indicates an average 30% loss. This is a stressful business model. At this time
honey bee biology and astute beekeepers can replace these losses temporarily.
This system is much different than cattle, swine or poultry losses. As an
example, if a commercial beekeeper has 1000 individual honey bee colonies
and over the course of a year (12 months) 500 of them die, the remaining 500
can be divided in half, returning the inventory number to 1000.
2) Varroa mites (invasive/Asia) a robust external parasite of honey bees and as a
vector of viral infections continue to negatively impact honey bee colony health.
Chemical treatments can temporarily reduce Varroa populations, but create
collateral damage. In the broadest sense, killing a small bug (Varroa) on a big
bug (honey bee) is extremely difficult if not impossible without damaging sub-
lethally the big bug (honey bee). A new section 3 has been issued for Apivar®
mite treatment strips for the control of varroa mites. Commercial Beekeepers
are finding it harder to control the Varroa with the treatments available to them
Apivar® has been a lifesaver for the beekeeping industry.
3) Nosema ceranae (invasive/Asia) is a digestive tract system destroying micro-
sporidian. Historically Nosema apis and different Nosema specie was known
and consistently controllable by beekeepers. Nosema ceranae are not as
responsive to control measures. Beekeepers in the south are seeing more bee
loses in the summer months thought to be from Nosema Ceranae.
COMMERCIAL BEEKEEPING
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ANNUAL REPORT
JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2013
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POLLINATION, FEE BASED MODEL
RECREATIONAL BEEKEEPING
Florida’s leadership in fruit, vegetable, and berry production is dependent on managed
honey bee pollination. Without a vital, active, and healthy managed honey bee industry,
the production of strawberries, blueberries, watermelons (even seedless), citrus,
avocado, lychee, cucumbers, squash, and a host of other agriculturally important
products would suffer. Additionally think of all the fruits, nuts, seeds, and berries that
support Florida’s environment and wildlife that honey bees are responsible for by
incidental pollination. Florida has 2581 Registered Beekeepers in the Niche pollinators
(1 - 40 colonies) 350 sideliners (41 – 500) and 175 commercial beekeepers (501 +)
provide this direct benefits.
The state of Florida serves as a honey bee nursery for tens of thousands of honey bee
colonies from all over the United States during the months of September through March.
Colony losses over the summer migratory pollination season are addressed by dividing
the remaining live honey bee colonies to make up losses. This is an intense
management time for commercial migratory beekeepers preparing for the next fee
based pollination season. Without this market, the commercial industry would shrink
significantly. After finishing in California in February or early March with almond
pollination, these beekeepers may travel to Washington or Oregon for fruit pollination or
back to Florida to solidify colony numbers for the trip following Spring, as it moves north.
Blueberries, strawberries, apples, peaches, cranberries, pumpkins, and cherries are
awaiting pollination from Florida to Maine.
Beekeepers and their honey bee colonies still alive after the summer season return to Florida in September to repeat the cycle if they have the critical mass and resources needed.
As noted in the opening figures, the interest in honey bees and beekeeping has increased remarkably over the last several years. Local and regional beekeeper associations have multiplied from 5 local associations throughout the state to over 35. The Apiary Section’s regulatory services and its educational outreach training have increased in parallel with new beekeeper registrations. With the signing of the new Honey Bee law allowing beekeeping in back yards under FDACS guidelines opening the flood gates for new beekeepers.
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PUBLIC OUTREACH
AFRICAN HONEY BEE
Increasing African Honey Bee Awareness via the African Honey Bee Extension and
Education Program (AFBEE) – Dr. Jamie Ellis, University of Florida/institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences
1) African Honey Extension Education – Dr. William H. Kern, Jr., University of
Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
The feral population growth, public safety concerns, and protection of the Apiculture
Industry are all intersecting as we try to soften direct impacts of African Bees.
The African Bee is an invasive that will dominate the feral environment of Florida and the
Southeast United States. Currently the African Bee is multiplying its population form a line
that goes from the East Cost to West Coast of Florida bisecting Orlando. Non-fatal
stinging incidents with people, pets, livestock, and wildlife are increasing as expected. As
an example, the Miami-Dade Venom Response Team responded to over 400 African Bee
stinging incidents in 2010. There is continued sporadic pet, livestock, and known wildlife
fatal stinging incidents that regularly are picked up by the media.
The Apiary Section continues to lead on African Bee educational outreach initiatives.
Hundreds of thousands of Florida citizens, state, county, and municipal authorities have
been trained.
We have partnered with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences (UF/IFAS) on two levels for a comprehensive approach to African Bee Training.
The first level involves training by Dr. Bill Kern of First Responders, Fire Departments
Emergency Rescue Personnel, and Police in African Honey Bee (AHB) stinging incidents
and the rescue of victims. The second level has been the creation at UF/IFAS by Dr.
James Ellis of the AFBEE or African Honey Bee Extension and Education Program. This
is designed to provide all of Florida with timely, safety, and eradication recommendation
for AHB.
The Apiary Inspection Section’s African Bee Identification Laboratory continues to operate
under a back log of samples submitted by Apiary Inspectors, UF/IFAS, Pest Control
Operators, and concerned citizens.
Best Management Practices for beekeepers continue to be offered to Registered
Beekeepers as a way to maintain manageable honey bee colonies and not be considered
a public nuisance
The FDACS/DPI, in coordination with other stakeholders in agriculture, state, county, and
local government agencies, UF/IFAS, First Responders, schools, hospitals, and many
others, continue to develop tools and training to protect the Beekeeping Industry and
educate the public on how to effectively and safely deal with this potential danger. The
transition to a feral bee population dominated by AHB in Florida is proceeding. We are
doing everything possible to avert and delay additional human fatalities by AHB in Florida.
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APIARY RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
1) Collaborating with the University of Florida/Institute of Food and
Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS)
a. Collaborating with UF/IFAS, field testing legal mite treatments to
compare efficacy and with a goal to improve the Varroa control
product in the challenging heat and humidity of Florida and reducing
residues.
b. Collaborating with UF/IFAS, Mitigating the impact of African honey
bees: determining how managed European honey bee colonies affect
drone congregation areas.
c. Collaborating with UF/IFAS, Assessment of honey bee pathogens in
the Apis mellifera and non-Apis pollinator communities in North
Central Florida
2) Apis Viral Mapping
a. Dr. Heather Gamper, and The Apalachee Beekeepers of Tallahassee
are well underway with their collaborative effort to map honey bee
viruses. Under the direction of beekeeper and geographer,
beekeepers from the panhandle region are sending honey bees for
viral screening on January 21st of this year. Colonies from which
samples were taken were marked and will be followed for two more
sampling periods (peak of spring nectar flow and late summer nectar
dearth) in order to gather information on the effects of seasonality on
viral presence. In addition to the viral screening being performed by
BVS, inc. using the IVDS system.
For more information on the Apis Viral Mapping Project please visit
the project website
References 1 http://www.bvs-inc.us/ 2 https://sites.google.com/site/apalacheebee/viralresearchplan 3https://sites.google.com/site/apalacheebee/viral-mapping