Farm Bureau president: Florida agriculture is economic bulwark in recession

(Gainesville, Fla.) – The leader of Florida’s largest general agricultural organization reminded his audience that agriculture has remained a “pillar” of economic activity, despite the deep recession of the past year. While speaking at Florida Farm Bureau’s 2009 Annual Meeting Oct. 28-30 in Daytona Beach, President John Hoblick acknowledged that many citizens have faced the “toughest times since the Great Depression.” But farm operations have helped to sustain this state’s people and their standard of living in the midst of record declines in tourism and construction.

Hoblick noted that Florida Farm Bureau has intensively focused on supporting family agricultural operations. Such a focus has included the message of “Strong Family Farms, Strong Florida.” He promised that in 2010 the organization will follow the same strategy. In addition, Farm Bureau will aggressively pursue rural development. “Our members are a powerful force for economic stability and recovery,” he said. The challenge lies in repeatedly “convincing the people who make public policy how important (farmers and ranchers) are to the Sunshine State. I think we can do that.”

The farm leader also praised members for their efforts at grassroots lobbying during the past year. The organization was successful in lowering workers’ compensation costs and ensuring that injured workers receive more compensation that attorneys obtain from fees. Farm Bureau also protected the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences against disproportionate budget cuts. Farm Bureau members have helped to sustain county Extension offices in the wake of declining revenues for local government. Above all, members have been guardians of private property rights – the foundation of citizenship in our republic.

Hoblick emphasized that Farm Bureau members oppose two major proposals now before the Congress. The climate change measure (cap and trade) currently under consideration would add substantial expenses to agricultural producers and most other citizens without a demonstrable benefit. The Clean Water Restoration Act would give the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency control over every body of water in the nation – including water in roadside drainage ditches.

He said Farm Bureau members will rally their fellow citizens around a “Don’t Cap our Future” campaign to defeat the climate change legislation and will collaborate with county commissions to reject the Clean Water Restoration Act.

“We have a powerful organization, built on the grassroots,” Hoblick declared. “Now, more than ever, farmers and ranchers need Florida Farm Bureau to represent the interests of agriculture.”