Agricultural & Natural Resources Advisory Committee

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The Agricultural and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (ANRAC) was established in November 1992 by the Board of County Commissioners. This committee meets on the 3rd or 4th Thursday of each month at 18500 Murdock Circle, Administration Center, Room #119 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.

Interesting Documents and Resources

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA AGRICULTURE PLANNING TOOL KIT
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida Department of Health, Division of Emergency Medical Operations, have been addressing the issue of the supply and distribution of food in the event of a widespread outbreak of influenza. At a recent planning workshop, it was determined that most small agribusinesses lack the financial or personnel resources to develop pandemic influenza preparedness plans of their own, despite the critical role such businesses play in the production and delivery of our food supply. As a result, the "Pandemic Influenza Agriculture Planning Tool Kit" was created to help businesses prepare a plan of their own. Released in March 2008, this document is meant to be a template or outline for small businesses to incorporate their own business practices so they can participate and assist in a comprehensive preparedness plan. To view it, go to http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pdf/Pandemic_Influenza_Agriculture_Planning_Toolkit.pdf