Don't unfairly blame farmers for local water problems

Article Posted on February 6, 2018

By: Rick Hartman, Treasure Coast Newspapers

Peter Upton’s recent guest column continues an alarming trend where others are blamed for problems that originate right here at home.

The discussion about water isn’t about being pro-sugar or anti-sugar. It’s about sticking to the facts — and the facts show water quality problems are compounded locally, and buying land south of Lake Okeechobee wouldn’t have prevented the toxic algae blooms in 2016. Whenever paid environmental activists like Bullsugar, the Everglades Foundation and their associates don’t agree with the facts, they claim there is some sugar conspiracy.

The reality is these groups have created a false narrative that blames others, primarily farmers, for what’s happening in Martin County. But there’s no evidence to support that assertion. Name another Martin County issue where outsiders are given as much blame as farmers get for our water issues. If there’s a pothole on Ocean Boulevard, residents don’t blame people in a far-off community. Instead, we address the issue locally…


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