Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is in Panama this week on his first trade mission since taking office. Putnam and industry delegates hope the upcoming widening of the Panama Canal can help increase Florida’s exports.
Florida already exports about $4 billion worth of produce every year. But with a wider, deeper Panama Canal expected to open soon, Putnam says it’s time for the state to aim higher. Speaking to reporters recently, he said part of the plan includes retrofitting the Port of Miami for new megaships coming though the canal with goods from Asia.
“When you unload those goods, you’re not going to send an empty ship back to its home port. What is the product that Florida produces that can go on those ships?" he says.
Putnam says perishable foods are expected to make up a large portion of those exports. In addition to arranging this week’s trade mission, he’s also created a pilot program for importing previously prohibited South American crops through Miami. After three months, food from Uruguay and Peru has passed inspection.