Farm Bureau (FFB) members again hosted state lawmakers for food and festivities during the opening week of the legislative session, during their annual Farm Bureau Days event Wednesday at the state Capitol. Farm Bureau organizes this function and involves many of the state’s other commodity groups and related businesses, as a way to help educate lawmakers about the depth and importance of the industry to Florida’s overall economic health and environmental well-being.
In this short interview FFB President John Hoblick, himself a nursery owner/operator from central Florida, discusses Farm Bureau Days and some challenges faced by agriculture in this year’s legislature.
Several hundred appeared on the Capitol courtyard near the end of the day to enjoy various food items from many choices available. It’s a highlight of the Session each year for lawmakers and their aides, and policy-makers and their assistants, to enjoy the festivities and the food. It makes for a good opportunity for them to meet and learn something about the state’s farmers and the agriculture industry, as unbridled urban growth continues to negatively impact farmers, ranchers and the environment throughout the state.
The opening week’s Farm Bureau Days at the Capitol is followed by another major agricultural event coming up next week, when Florida Cattlemen’s’ Association members will be in town for their legislative visits. Cattlemen will host lawmakers for a nearby “street party” reception after their day of business at the Capitol, Wednesday afternoon/evening.
