Already the third-largest honey producer in the United Stated, a new honeybee research facility could make Florida a global leader in agricultural research and return more than $1 million in state tax revenue. These are the findings of a special report undertaken by Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy research institute and government watchdog.
“An agricultural research facility focused on honeybees is a unique way to diversify Florida’s economy and increase state revenues,” said Dominic M. Calabro, President and CEO of Florida TaxWatch, in a statement. “The benefits of investing this facility range from increased research and educational capabilities, to improved crop production, to the ability to enhance state tax revenue.”
Florida thriving honeybee industry was valued at $23.1 in 2012, and according to Calabro, the state-of-the-art research facility would help further enhance this. Florida also serves as the winter nursery for 10 percent of the nation’s bee colonies.
The proposed facility, to be established at the University of Florida, would attract research revenue as well as help recruit and retain top researchers and students. The economic impact would stem from job creation beginning with facility construction and research positions, and include increased economic activity from additional Florida visitors and researchers using the facility.
“This research facility could help lower costs for producers, increase crop production, and help Florida consumers with lower food costs for healthy Florida fruits and vegetables,” said Dr. Jerry D. Parrish, TaxWatch Chief Economist and Director of the TaxWatch Center for Competitive Florida.
The report finds that agricultural research, such as an apiary facility studying honeybees, has very high returns that stay in the state where the research originated.
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