Farm Bureau Has Legislative Agenda

March 15, 2009

As the Florida Legislature convenes to focus on budget issues during a period of revenue shortfalls, Florida Farm Bureau Federation says it is on guard against unintended consequences that could adversely affect the state’s second-largest industry. The Federation is the state’s largest agricultural organization and speaks for family farmers.

Legislators, facing a revenue shortfall of $5 to $7 billion, are looking to bolster revenues by increasing fees, eliminating some sales tax exemptions and increasing taxes. At the same time, they realize they will have to decrease state spending. It adds up to a perilous time for the state’s agriculture industry.

“Our state legislative team is going to have to play some strong defense to ensure our family farmers are not disproportionately impacted,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John L. Hoblick. “Strong family farms contribute to a strong Florida. That has been demonstrated time and time again, particularly in tough economic times. All Floridians have a stake in keeping Florida agriculture producing and continuing to make a $100 billion annual economic impact, particularly as other segments of the economy contract.”

Hoblick noted the recently released 2007 Census of Agriculture shows an overall increase in the number of farms in the state and the value of agricultural products sold. While other segments of the economy have faltered, agriculture continues to be a strong pillar of the economy.

Ben Parks, Farm Bureau’s director of State Legislative Affairs, said the Federation would be joining with commodity organization and allied groups to ward off attacks on agriculture’s sales tax exemptions and state’s Greenbelt property tax classification for agricultural operations.

“Each one of these sales tax exemptions has been put in place for a reason,” Parks said. “As the legislature reviews them, we will be reminding lawmakers why they exist and why they are necessary to keep Florida producers competitive in the national and global markets.”

Parks said Farm Bureau would also be watching to ensure institutions upon which agriculture depends, such as the University of Florida/IFAS and the Florida Department of Agriculture, do not sustain disproportionate budget cuts.

Florida Farm Bureau also has identified some priorities in the areas of energy and the environment, taxes and fees and local government actions. The organization will continue to support renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that benefit agriculture and the state.

Farm Bureau will seek tax relief at the state level on the purchase of all agricultural inputs. It will also pursue relief at the county level from local business taxes for agricultural operations as well as a clarification of the definition and requirements for non-residential farm buildings. It will also seek to prohibit local governments from imposing tax assessments or fees for stormwater management on agricultural lands with discharge permits or where best management practices are implemented.

Additionally, Farm Bureau will encourage legislation to prohibit local governments from enforcing regulations on agricultural lands which duplicate state, federal or water management district regulations.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News