A fourth-generation citrus farmer with family roots in southwest Florida, Hugh English takes great pride in the continuing contribution of the agricultural community toward preserving the traditional values of a vanishing rural lifestyle-which includes respect and appreciation for the environment.

When I was growing up in Alva, farming was considered a tough, but honorable, career choice. My first work experience was doing chores and helping out on our family grove. Now retired after more than 35 years of active involvement in the agricultural industry, and related industry organizations, I feel that I made the right decision.

In addition to providing food for our tables, farmers are also natural stewards to the land. With limited resources in a very competitive industry, farmers strive to manage land in a manner that will preserve it for future generations to enjoy.

Farmers are natural risk-takers. An adequate water supply and good water management are the lifeblood of the agricultural industry. Tremendous resources are devoted to state-of-the-art irrigation systems and the infrastructure to provide drainage when needed. With well-defined wet and dry seasons. Florida is a “wet desert.” Both seasons’ water management issues have to be addressed.

The farmers’ commitment to conservation and preservation of our natural resources remains strong. Often cast in the villain role when it comes to environment concerns, in reality the agricultural community is typically a key player in helping to develop and implement solutions to our most pressing water and land use problems.

Case in point: the Lake Toho drawdown.

The environment community was not willing for the drawdown water to be stored in Lake Okeechobee due to the high water level in the lake. The coastal communities were adamantly opposed to additional flood control releases to the estuaries following the heavy discharges earlier in the year.

Recognizing the urgent need to move forward with the twice-postponed Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission project to enhance the lake habitat, farmers responded when the call came out for alternative water storage sites. The flexibility inherent in agriculture is evident in contrast to the lack of flexibility in government rules and regulations that reduces the options available to District staff.

Accessing potential storage is not a simple task. Much careful thought and planning is necessary before modifications are made to utilize nontraditional storage. In partnership with the District, temporary pumps were installed, facility modifications were made and necessary maintenance was performed (with District financial assistance) to achieve the desired surface storage goal.

The farmers didn’t do this because they need the water for ongoing operations. The storage project required investing unplanned time and resources as well as assuming risk in utilizing storage that would be needed if this spring’s weather conditions were similar to last year’s wet conditions. It was done in a spirit of cooperation to solve a contentious problems.

Farmers know that to have a good neighbor you have to be a good neighbor. This is a good example of this aspect of rural philosophy. The contrast is the continuous litigation or threat of litigation that surrounds so many of the water, land use and environmental issues today.

Whose philosophy would you prefer?