With the signing of the Florida Farm Bill, the agricultural industry is reacting. Jim Spratt, chairman of the Florida Ag Coalition said, “The Florida Ag Coalition membership applauds Commissioner Simpson for championing a strong Florida Farm Bill and thanks Governor DeSantis for signing this important legislation to safeguard family farms, enhance food security through Farmers Feeding Florida and promote the long?term stability of our state’s diverse agricultural sectors. The 2026 Florida Farm Bill protects the state’s farmers, ranchers and growers to ensure that the Sunshine State’s agricultural community can continue to drive Florida’s economy and supply the food, foliage and fiber that our state and our nation rely on every day.”
Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association said, “With the 2026 Florida Farm Bill now law, growers will have essential resources to steward our state’s land and ensure fresh produce reaches families across Florida and the U.S. Programs like Farmers Feeding Florida, now made permanent by this legislation, are crucial for reducing food waste and getting nutritious food to those who need it most. Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Simpson, Senate President Albritton, Speaker Perez, Chairman Truenow, and Representatives Alvarez and Johnson, we’re strengthening Florida’s food system and helping nourish our communities.”
Rick Moyer, Florida Cattlemen’s Association President said, “Florida’s cattlemen and cattlewomen appreciate Governor DeSantis for signing Commissioner Simpson’s 2026 Florida Farm Bill, which strengthens support for the state’s cow-calf operations. We thank Commissioner Simpson for authoring the legislation, sponsors Senator Truenow and Representatives Alvarez and Johnson for their work to advance it, and the Legislature for its support in establishing a loan repayment program to bolster the state’s veterinarian workforce, supporting livestock health and the continued success of Florida’s cattle industry.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.