Great visit in Tallahassee

This was another busy week for Farm Bureau members.

Monday evening we hosted our annual Briefing Dinner in Tallahassee to assist our members in understanding the issues we are concerned about this session. We heard from Rep. Trudie Williams, chair of the House Agriculture Committee, and from Sen. Carey Baker, chair of the General Government Appropriations Committee. I know I speak for our members when I express my thanks to these officials for making the time to talk to us about current issues.

Tuesday was a busy day as members met with their elected officials or legislative aides to discuss policy issues important to the agriculture industry. That afternoon House Speaker Larry Cretul invited the members into a rare meeting in House Chambers during Farm Bureau Day at the state Capitol. Marion County cattle rancher and Florida Farm Bureau Treasurer Jeff Vermillion helped set up the special event, where Farm Bureau members were able to sit in lawmakers chairs throughout the Chambers during the ’special sesson’ with Speaker Cretul.

The busy day was capped by the much-anticipated annual Farm Bureau Day reception at the Tallahassee-Leon Civic Center. Farm Bureau members and lawmakers mingled and enjoyed delicious food. In addition to the traditional booths set up around the hall, the 4-H Foundation held a silent auction fundraiser.

Wednesday afternoon I gave a presention on the economic impact of Florida agriculture industry to the House and Senate Ag Committees. I took this opportunity to highlight new statistics and information derived from a UF/IFAS study that demonstrates agriculture’s importance. The study results from a partnership between Farm Bureau and IFAS to determine the economic impact agriculture has on our state. Overall, I'd say the future looks bright for our industry. I hope our elected officials will take the information to heart and support measures that foster the agriculture industry’s continued growth in the state.