December 4, 2007
Florida-Grown Christmas Trees Presented To State Leaders At Capitol
The Florida Christmas Tree Association today presented Christmas trees to Governor Charlie Crist and Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson during a ceremony at The Capitol.
The “Robin Blue” Southern Red Cedars were donated by BK Cedars Farm in Alachua and presented on behalf of the Florida Christmas Tree Association, which represents growers statewide and works to educate producers and promote fresh, Florida-grown trees to the public. Christmas tree farming in Florida is a small industry run by family-owned businesses on land that has often been passed through generations.
Making the presentation to Governor Crist and Commissioner Bronson were Dr. R. Hilton Biggs and Dr. Sue Kossuth, and their daughter, Robin S. Rentz, from BK Cedars Farm. Dr. Kossuth also serves as secretary of the association.
The living, containerized trees will remain on display in The Capitol throughout the holiday season. Afterward, Bronson will plant one of the trees on the grounds of The Capitol to serve as the future “State Christmas Tree.” The Red Cedar is a Florida native tree.
“Buying homegrown Florida Christmas trees helps support our farmers and it boosts our state’s economy,” Bronson said. “It’s also better for the environment because less fuel is used in transportation. And, when containerized trees are purchased, they can be planted after the holidays to serve as wildlife habitat, increase soil stability, and add an aesthetically pleasing touch to the landscape.”
BK Cedars Farm was established in 1980 as a choose-and-cut tree operation and in 1989 started growing trees in containers. The nation’s first Red Cedar Improvement Program was initiated at the farm and involved using cuttings from Southern Red Cedars to clone rooted trees. Trees with excellent color, size, shape and hardiness were selected for future propagation, and the best selection was named “Robin Blue” after the owners’ daughter, Robin, and because of the tree’s attractive bluish color.
Dr. Biggs holds a doctorate from Purdue University, worked as a biochemist in horticulture for 37 years and retired as professor emeritus in 1992. Dr. Kossuth holds a doctorate in tree physiology and genetics from the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies of Yale University. She worked as a project leader for the USDA Forest Service.
Florida’s 87 Christmas tree farms, located on more than 700 acres predominantly in the northern half of the state, sell more than 20,000 trees annually. Tree farmers plant two to three trees for every tree cut to maintain the state’s ecological balance. To locate a Florida Christmas tree farm, visit www.florida-agriculture.com/consumers/christmas_trees.htm or www.flchristmastrees.com.
For more information:
Terence McElroy
(850) 488-3022
mcelrot@doacs.state.fl.us
