State lawmakers are hearing from hundreds of concerned farmers and ranchers this week as Florida Farm Bureau members again descend on the Capitol to tell their industry’s story. The ‘budget’ word abounds in most discussions – the state budget billions in the hole and many legislators saying there will be no new taxes this election year. Meanwhile, ag leaders and University of Florida economists are scurrying to see details in the latest agriculture economic research study yet to come in hopes it will help prove the value of agriculture to Florida’s economy. House Speaker Larry Cretul has invited Farm Bureau members into the House Chamber this afternoon, and afterward Farm Bureau hosts its annual reception for lawmakers near the Capitol building.
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