Agriculture Commissioner Says BP Money Will Be Spent On Fishing Industry

DESTIN — Local fishermen who have been struggling since the BP oil spill could soon receive some relief from Florida’s new commissioner of agriculture.

Adam Putnam, the Central Florida citrus farmer and cattle rancher who was elected in November, visited with local anglers at a lunch meeting Tuesday at the Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services last week received a $20 million settlement from BP to be used to increase confidence in Gulf Coast seafood.

“I know it’s been a horrible year for you,” Putnam said. “We certainly are committed to doing everything that we can to help.”

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Northwest Florida Daily News (Fort Walton Beach, FL).