May 2025
Florida Farm Bureau’s grassroots policy development was in full swing as members from across the state gathered to participate in the organization’s commodity and advisory forum in Gainesville on May 14. The one-day meeting brought together more than 150 members representing Florida Farm Bureau’s 16 advisory committees representing different Florida commodities covering everything from apiculture to peanuts to water.
Each committee provides guidance in policy development and expertise in relevant issues regarding agriculture and the commodities they represent.
“The Ag Policy & Commodity Forum is a great venue to bring together agricultural leaders from across the state to advance our industry in Florida,” said Geoffrey Patterson, Florida Farm Bureau director of ag policy. “We are extremely pleased with the participation from our members and presenters who helped make this year’s event such a success.”
Attendees received timely updates from key speakers including Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson who provided updates the Florida Farm Bill and Rural and Family Lands. A session on Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs by Dr. Nathan Palardy with UF|IFAS Food and Resource Economics Department provided an informative overview of federal, state and county agricultural conservation easement acquisition programs.
Florida Farm Bureau’s legislative staff provided a panel discussion on different issues that Farm Bureau staff are engaged in at the local, state and national levels. The afternoon wrapped up with another panel with USDA Farm Service Agency representatives, led by Executive Director Marcinda Kester, providing members an opportunity to ask questions.
For event photos, click here.