As the person who founded this network more than 25 years ago I make no bones about being a protagonist for agriculture. Therefore anyone with direct ties to production agriculture is easy to be a favorite when it comes to a run for public office. After all, with so few people now responsible for feeding the rest of us, hands-on ag understanding is critical to “telling the farm story” effectively in the legislative process. 
As things approach a critical time in the campaign season we’re making note of some AgNet friends who are working to make others in agriculture aware of their candidacies. Ben Albritton , top left, is presently chairman of the Florida Citrus Commission and a citrus grower from Wauchula, and Katie Edwards, right, has effectively represented Dade County Farm Bureau in Homestead as its Executive Director for years. Both are running for their respective area seats 
in the Florida House of Representatives. And of course most in agriculture already know of Polk County Congressman Adam Putnam‘s bid for becoming Florida’s next Agriculture Commissioner. There may be other Florida farm people working to enter public life too. Of course no promises for similar mention, since we’ve known these three for years, but please feel free to e-mail me directly to keep us in the loop. Meanwhile, best of luck to Katie, Ben and Adam!
Sincerely, Gary Cooper, Founder and President, Southeast AgNet