March 2026
More than 100 Florida Farm Bureau grassroots members traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this week to advocate for agriculture in the U.S. Capitol.
Florida Farm Bureau leaders, county presidents, the Women’s Leadership Committee and members of the Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group engaged with policy makers and other leaders on important issues impacting Florida farms. Priority topics included the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, funding for farmers that experienced extreme crop loss from the February freeze and farm labor.
“Our annual advocacy fly-in to Washington, D.C., puts Florida farmers and ranchers front and center with lawmakers that shape national policy,” said Lance Watson, National Affairs Director for Florida Farm Bureau. “When our members share their stories face-to-face, it strengthens agriculture’s voice and ensures their livelihoods are represented in Washington, D.C., —especially as we push for a long-overdue Farm Bill, timely disaster relief following February’s freeze, and meaningful solutions to our workforce challenges.”
The two-day agenda included one-on-one meetings with Florida’s Congressional delegation. Florida members also attended a legislative briefing session with the American Farm Bureau Federation staff.
Members attended a Florida Agriculture Partners Reception hosted by Florida Farm Bureau and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The trip concluded with a private tour of the United States Department of Interior.