Agricultural & Natural Resources Advisory Committee
ANRAC Home | Members | Meeting Information
The Agricultural and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ANRAC) was established in November 1992 by the Board of County Commissioners. This committee meets on the Second Thursday of every other Month at 18500 Murdock Circle, Administration Center, Room #B-106 at 9:00am. View the County Meeting Calendar.
The committee consists of nine voluntary members who must be residents or owners of real property in Charlotte County. These members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The current members include representatives of:
- Range, Timber and Wildlife/Sod, Hay, Aquacultural, or Honey Production,
- Vegetable Production,
- Livestock Production,
- Citrus Production,
- Agricultural Economics,
- Environmental Conservation,
- Agricultural Engineering/Water Management,
- Agricultural Realty, and
- Rural Land Use and Environmental Law.
The committee also retains a regular county staff liaison from the County’s Planning and Zoning Division and a liaison from the County Attorney’s office.
The role of ANRAC is to advise the Board of County Commissioners on matters related to agriculture, natural resources, private property rights and rural land use. The committee’s function is to provide a forum for communication between county staff and citizens and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, as well as serving as a sounding board for staff as they plan programs and projects that will or could impact the four subjects listed above.
Further, they are tasked with informing and educating the public and governmental authorities of the environmental, economic and social impact and importance of agriculture within the county. Education involves coordinating and promoting public and private efforts that serve to balance the agricultural economy with good stewardship of agricultural land and natural resources. This effort includes contact with local, state and federal representatives of government, and with private interests. The goal is to retain a diversified and balanced local economy by preserving agricultural opportunity, productivity, profitability, and sustainability and maintaining Charlotte County’s renewable soil and water resource base.
The committee and concerned public can offer ideas and solutions to the Board of County Commissioners on various topics related to agriculture and the environment, which the committee may pass on as a recommendation. Such recommendations must be approved by a majority of the committee members.
In order to utilize the resources represented by the ANRAC members, you may address the committee members at one of their public meetings during the public comments section of the agenda or request to have a topic placed on the agenda for discussion.
To address the committee during public comments, simply appear at one of the scheduled meetings. To request an item be placed on the agenda for discussion, please contact Sandra Williamson, recording secretary, at 941-743-1238.
If you have any further questions, please contact the County’s staff liaison, Matt Trepal, at 941.764.4934. You may also submit questions or comments to Matt by e-mail. He will pass your questions or comments on to the committee members at their next available meeting.
Interesting Documents and Resources
AGRICULTURAL CENSUS
The US Department of Agriculture has completed a nationwide census of agriculture. The Census of Agriculture, taken every five years, is a complete count of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. The Census looks at land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and many other areas. The Census provides the only source of uniform, comprehensive agricultural data for every county in the nation. Through the Census, producers can show the nation the value and importance of agriculture and they can help influence decisions that will shape the future of American agriculture for years to come.
Census - U.S. Summary and State Data
Census - State Level Data
Census - County Level Data
