Volume 4 - Issue 4 17 | April | 2015 Tallahassee Emerging Times . . . growing toward the future

Leaders and FFVA board get a close-up look at Tallahassee

Class 4 on the steps of the historic Capitol. Water legislation and Amendment 1 spend- concerns. Rep. Tom Goodson encouraged the ing dominated the conversations in Tallahassee group to stay involved with FFVA. “Don’t rest or among legislators and members of FFVA’s board you’ll get run over,” he said. “Keep working on the of directors and Class 4 of the Emerging Leader issues and don’t rest.” Goodson acknowledged program. The groups participated in FFVA’s an- the challenges of the political process these days. nual “drive-in” to the state capital to voice grow- “Anytime you have compromise, you have better ers’ concerns to lawmakers. government. When you have a supermajority The agenda was packed with back-to-back you run over people, and when it swings the meetings with members of both houses. The other way you’ll be eating something other than group also met with Agriculture Commissioner doughnuts,” he said. Adam Putnam, House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, Rep. Halsey Beshears, a Tallahassee nursery SUSTAINING SPONSOR and Jon Steverson, the new secretary of the owner, told the group, “I’m glad you’re taking the Department of Environmental Protection. Rich time to be up here. You don’t realize the impact Budell of the Department of Agriculture and Con- you have when you come and talk to legislators.” sumer Services’ Office of Water Policy also talked The group also heard from lobbyist Mary Ann with the group about the department’s budget Gosa Hooks on the outlook for UF/IFAS’ budget needs this year. priorities. They have requested $5.5 million “to Several of the elected officials commended the put out the work product to serve our clientele participants for making the trip to discuss their through research and extension,” she said. 2 17 | April | 2015

Calhoun’s preview sets District’s diversity Edwards a bridge the tone for the trip brings challenges between parties on ag

by Dan Bott by Nathan Decker Premier Citrus Management Monsanto by Teddy McAvoy

Butch Calhoun, FFVA’s director of govern- Rep. Holly Raschein comes from one of State Rep. Katie Edwards of District 98, ment relations, provided a legislative over- the state’s most diverse districts, District which encompasses areas of southern view before we began our meetings with 120. It includes all of the beautiful Broward County, met with the FFVA board lawmakers to discuss important bills that Keys and southern /Dade County. It members and our leadership class during have been introduced for the 2015 Florida is a unique district because there is tourism our visit to the in Talla- legislative session. and a major city on one end and agriculture hassee. A Democrat, Edwards is an attorney Calhoun gave the group an overview of on the other. Yet that diversity can also be a by trade and serves on several committees, the structure of the Legislature, which is challenge. including the Agriculture and Natural Re- composed of 120 members of the House Raschein is facing a couple of issues sources Subcommittee (she is the Demo- of Representatives and 40 senators. The now, but the main one is funding. After cratic ranking member), Health and Human speaker of the House of Representatives the collapse of the housing market in Services Committee, Higher Education and and Senate president are elected by their 2008, funding has been a major concern Workforce Subcommittee and Judiciary prospective members. After their election, across the state. Property taxes are a main Committee. the speaker and Senate president assign revenue source of the state and without a In the current legislative session, Edwards committee appointments. strong housing market, state-funded pro- introduced a property rights bill to curb Proposed legislation must be drafted two grams suffer. Luckily, the jobs and housing overzealous, anti-business municipalities months before session and filed no later market have picked up in recent years so from abusing their power. The bill issues than noon on opening day. All bills must the economy in Florida is gaining strength. guidelines for staff to follow pertaining to pass through committee before they can And according to Raschein, her district is property rights issues. In addition, the bill move to the floor of either chamber. FFVA an expensive district to operate with some allows property owners to challenge uncon- priorities for the 2015 session are water expensive projects to fund. One is a $50 stitutional government actions. policy, Amendment 1 funding, ag sales tax million project to fund a waste- Edwards is a bridge between Democrats exemptions, the UF/IFAS budget, the FDACS water system. Raschein also is dealing with and Republicans for the agriculture indus- budget, assessments on non-residential farm a lack of workforce housing. In the next five try. She is a supporter of agriculture and buildings, liability protection for gleaning, years, she projects the need for 6,000 new its benefits to the economy and the state. commercial vehicle review board, property workers/jobs, and there is not housing to Much of this years’ focus in the Legislature is rights, agritourism, melon hauling vehicles, supply the expected demand. on the Florida Water and Land Conservation and fire code for assemblies in farm build- FFVA’s Butch Calhoun pointed out that Initiative Amendment, which voters passed ings. Raschein was a sponsor of the first agritour- in 2014. Edwards cautioned that releasing Calhoun summed up his address to ism bill here in Florida. She is keeping an more water from could Class 4 by emphasizing the importance eye on how Amendment 1, the Land and be a potential hazard for flooding in her of communicating with our lawmakers to Water and Land Conservation Amend- region and that a plan to prevent flooding stress issues that are important to us and ment, plays out. This bill has the potential was needed with the water policy. She also our industry. Legislators may not know how to affect every district and could greatly encouraged participation of young leaders important issues are if we don’t tell them. He impact agriculture. She made it clear that such as our group in the political process. also reiterated that to be a good lobbyist in she supports Calhoun, and she supports Tallahassee, your word has to be what you agriculture. stand for. 3 17 | April | 2015

Rep. Tom Goodson: Walk with a big stick

by John Alderman Duda Farm Fresh Foods

After breakfast, the group met with Rep. Tom Goodson, chairman of Agricul- ture and Natural Resources Subcommit- tee. Goodson is a Republican represent- ing District 50, which encompasses part of the . He lives in Titusville. Butch Calhoun introduced the represen- tative as a “world class” turkey hunter and gave a little example of how he likes to fire a warning shot before taking the real shot. We had the impression that Butch and Goodson have a very good working relationship. He explained that the water policies we discussed at breakfast with Rep. Matt Rep. Jennifer Sullivan of District 31 addressed the group prior to dinner. Sullivan is the youngest Caldwell would be a very important issue woman elected to the Florida House of Representatives. for the folks in the room to take interest in. “What you know of the policy, please be aware that it will not be same when it comes back from the Senate. So I would Never too young to knocking on thousands of doors in her suggest that you stay tuned.” Goodson to make a difference district last year. She explained that her went on to explain that the proposed goal was to run a grassroots campaign GMO bill will most likely not even be and that she believes in limiting govern- heard in the House and would be a dead ment regulation. During the campaign, issue. He added, “This would be another she sought to know what was important layer of bureaucracy that would hinder to the voters and to explain which of her your production and hinder what you do.” values related to their concerns. “You are He explained that our water issues and by Meghan Pasken never too young to start making a differ- demand are not going away and used Glades Crop Care ence,” she said. Lake Lanier and other parts of the Georgia Sullivan, of Mount Dora, serves on basin as a never-ending struggle that is Republican Rep. Jennifer Sullivan the Agriculture and Natural Resources water policy. Goodson stressed the im- of District 31 was our guest speaker at Subcommittee, Civil Justice Subcommit- portance of staying involved in the issues dinner on Tuesday, stopping by briefly to tee, Finance and Tax Committee, and the that are important to you and also staying tell us her story and speak about lead- Local Government Affairs Subcommittee. involved in your trade organizations, ership. At 22, Sullivan is the youngest She urged us to make a difference in our stating, “If you don’t stay involved in your woman elected to the Florida House of state by contacting our representatives association, you will get run over.” Representatives. She spoke about how and making them aware of issues that her inspiration to run for office started are important and why. She emphasized with a 4-H trip to the capital. We were that constituent visits are welcomed all motivated by her enthusiasm and and effective in getting the attention of amazed at the effort her campaign gave representatives. 4 17 | April | 2015

be an expert on agriculture, he certainly understood the sheer importance of the industry and the impact it has here and abroad socially, political and eco- nomically. With that, he went on to praise Commissioner Adam Putnam and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli for being champi- ons for agriculture and the work they do to ensure the longevity of our industry and address real concerns. Like many of the other legislators we met with, Boyd reas- sured us that he understands the need for sound policy, and he will stay committed to this mission. Rep. Jake Raburn met with the group, focusing on how important political involvement is to Apart from agriculture and the topics of agriculture. Raburn was recognized as one of FFVA’s legislators of the year in 2014. Amendment 1, water policy, funding and others, Boyd decided to give some good Raburn focuses get and how important the funding is for insight into other issues that were under a program that does so much for the agri- discussion. Among these were policies re- on industry priorities culture industry. Even though the meeting garding education and the Com- was brief, it was great opportunity to meet pact. We appreciate Boyd and our elected with Raburn and get some inside informa- officials for all their time and efforts. tion about what is being talked about and how things are looking in Tallahassee this session. A rising star

by Paul Miller in the Legislature Pioneer Growers Co-op Optimism for ag in this year’s session We had the pleasure of meeting Reps. Jake Raburn and Ben Albritton briefly by John Beuttenmuller at the 2014 FFVA Annual Convention in Florida Foundation Naples. At that point, Raburn spoke to the Seed Producers, Inc. class about how important it was to be plugged in and involved with what is go- ing on in state and local government. Both by Matt Griffin Rep. Halsey Beshears is a Republican lawmakers commended us on being a part Lipman Produce member in the House of Representatives of the leadership program and emphasized representing District 7, which comprises how essential it is to know our representa- The legislative trip to Tallahassee is Madison, Jefferson, Taylor, Calhoun, and tives. certainly a highlight of the Emerging Wakulla counties. Beshears was first This time the setting was different and Leader program. It was quite an experi- elected in 2012 and was subsequently re- not as casual as our introduction in Naples. ence to be in the Capitol again to meet elected in 2014. In his second term he was We were in Tallahassee at the Senate office with legislators and others from around appointed chairman of the Business and building in the middle of the legislative the state and to see the political process Professions Subcommittee. He also serves session. Raburn came into the room look- at work. During our visit we had a pretty as vice chair on the Energy and Utilities ing more comfortable, and he dove right in jam-packed schedule. Our time consisted Subcommittee. Beshears is undoubtedly to a couple hot-button topics for agricul- of short sessions with different members one of the rising leaders in the Legislature. ture. A bill to exempt sales tax on agricul- of the Legislature to express our concerns During the current session, he sponsored ture equipment would give cost-savings and priorities. HB 145, the Commercial Vehicle Review to farmers. The bill would exempt sales tax Among the list of lawmakers we met Board bill, which is one of FFVA’s priorities. on irrigations parts/repairs, trailers used with was Rep. Jim Boyd of District 71. Beshears is a unique member of the in agriculture production, stakes used in Sitting on the Agriculture and Natural Re- Legislature because he comes from an ag- agriculture production, equipment used to sources Subcommittee, Boyd seemed very ricultural background. Before running for store agriculture products, and other farm optimistic about this year’s session and office, Beshears worked in the family equipment that already has enormous policies in regards to Florida agriculture. price tags. He made it clear that although he may not Raburn also discussed the UF/IFAS bud- (Next page) 5 17 | April | 2015

nursery business in Monticello. He spoke to the challenges of stepping aside from the family business to run for office. On top of the professional challenges, he also must find time to be a good husband and a good father to his three daughters. Because Beshears lives just 30 minutes outside of Tallahassee, even when the Legislature is not in session he is still very engaged with constituents and other poli- ticians. When other legislators go home to their districts, they are often very far away from Tallahassee and may have an easier time disconnecting from the rigors of be- ing a state representative. Beshears does not begrudge that; instead, he sees it as an excellent opportunity. Beshears emphasized the importance of taking the time to get to know your representatives and to be engaged in the political process. He said water legislation and funding of Amendment 1 will be very big issues during this legislative session. He is also very focused on opportunities for tax cuts and the sales tax exemption bill, Susan Nardizzi, director of the Division of Marketing and Development for the Department of Agri- one of FFVA’s priorities for this session. culture and Consumer Services shared some not-yet-released television ads with the group. marketing was a fresh perspective outside Caldwell kicks off Strategic marketing of our focus. He touched on the depart- ment’s marketing strategy and how it shifts Day 2 breakfast for market leaders with Florida’s peak season for seafood. The results to the seafood industry that Fresh From Florida brings through its media cam- paigns and its work with the food service/ restaurant industry throughout the state are quite amazing. Jackie Moalli, senior marketing and de- velopment manager for the division joined by Shine Taylor by John Alderman Nardizzi in giving insights into the advertis- DuPont Crop Protection Duda Farm Fresh Foods ing placement for the Fresh From Florida media campaign. The campaign is now Our breakfast guest on Wednesday Day 1 of Emerging Leader Development recognized nationally and has been recog- was Rep. Matt Caldwell of District 79. Class 4’s trip to Tallahassee started off with nized globally as well. We viewed all the Even though Caldwell was a little under a brisk walk to the Florida Department of recent TV spots which were well-received the weather, the minute he sat down and Agriculture and Consumer Services build- because there was at least one grower adjusted his bow tie, I knew he was ready ing to meet with the entire marketing team of each commodity represented in the to discuss the priorities of the day. One of with Fresh From Florida. Susan Nardizzi advertisements presented. The team then the main stories of the week came up very is director of the Division of Marketing described the success and recognition of quickly as Caldwell discussed the proposed and Development for FDACS and over- the department’s certified executive chef, water bill. Being from the North Fort Myers sees Fresh From Florida, a program that is Justin Timineri. Chef Justin is the culinary area, he has a unique and personal view on providing immense benefits to the growers ambassador for Florida, traveling to trade water management because the Caloo- in Florida. shows and festivals promoting Fresh From sahatchee River bisects his district. The Nardizzi introduced Martin May, chief of Florida products. legislation is very important to him and seafood and aquaculture for the Division his constituents, and one could tell he had of Marketing. May had 100 percent of our experience discussing the ins and outs of attention since seafood and aquaculture (Next page) 6 17 | April | 2015

the bill to any audience. accommodating to our group and was about anything water-related. His discus- From there, we discussed more general happy to answer questions and respond to sion focused on some of the 2015-2016 topics on how to create legislation and comments made by FFVA board members budget priorities. how it is best used. He discussed topics and the Emerging Leader Development Water was a recurring topic throughout such as spending and the balance that he Program class. It was eye-opening and our visit and was brought up by most of and his colleagues face every day around refreshing to see firsthand the positive im- the speakers who came to talk with Class 4, short-term goals vs. long-term impacts. pacts the efforts of FFVA and UF/IFAS have so it wasn’t a surprise that Budell discussed Even though Caldwell is relatively young, on policymaking in Tallahassee. priorities concerning water projects that he had some great insight into how the needed funding for the coming year. His process works and was knowledgeable first bullet point covered the Northern Ev- about the entire picture and what happens erglades and Estuaries Protection Program. “on the hill.” “ It was eye-opening The total budget requested for this project was $20 million, which would help with de- and refreshing to see velopment of Best Management Practices, UF/IFAS requests monitoring and implementation, while firsthand the positive providing cost-share funding for on-farm funding for an stormwater management as well. It would increased workload impacts the efforts of also help create larger water retention and nutrient-reduction projects. The depart- ment also was requesting funding for FFVA and UF/IFAS water-supply planning, conservation and a springs initiative. Butch Calhoun of FFVA have on policymaking in spoke about how important Budell has been to FDACS and agriculture in general. Tallahassee. ” He may be winding his career down in the coming years, so whoever is slated to take by Teddy McAvoy - Teddy McAvoy Budell’s position has some pretty big shoes to fill.

Mary Ann Gosa-Hooks, director of governmental affairs for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Water expert discusses Putnam continues Sciences, discussed the priorities she is lob- priority state projects emphasis on water bying for in the Legislature. These priori- ties include $5.5 million to fund increased workload, $3.6 million for the beef teach- ing unit at UF and a $180,000 increase for biological control research. The general workload would serve all IFAS stakehold- ers including citrus, vegetables, cattle and by Meghan Pasken nursery industries. Specific appropriations by Paul Miller Glades Crop Care from the $5.5 million would go toward Pioneer Growers Co-op funding research specialists, filling gaps in research, and adding or replacing faculty at Agriculture Commissioner Adam Put- the Research and Educa- We all know the importance of water to nam joined us for lunch on Wednesday and tion Center in Immokalee. human existence since we need to consume delivered the final address to our group The UF Beef Teaching Unit funding it for survival, but it is also closely related of emerging leaders. The commissioner would be used for updating the facil- to our food source in the fact that plants pointed out that water policies were the ity, which is outdated and falling apart, and animals we may eat also need water to top three dominant issues this season student housing and the cow pen, survive as well. On our first day in Tallahassee, and spoke briefly on Amendment 1. He Gosa-Hooks said. Other appropriations we met with Rich Budell, director of the Ag- stressed that in today’s political environ- would go toward quarantine facilities ricultural Water Policy Division of the Florida ment it is important for everyone to get and research into biological control of Department of Agriculture and Consumer involved. Putnam expressed the need pests and diseases. Gosa-Hooks was very Services. Budell has been in the field for 30 years, and he is an expert on water and just (Next page) 7 17 | April | 2015

for folks with an ag background to get sales tax, saving farmers needed money Class meets new involved in water management and policy that can be reinvested in their farming op- and to gain influence in permitting. Issues eration. Another legislative concern of the DEP secretary of particular concern that he singled out Florida growers and particularly FFVA is the were Waters of the U.S., food safety laws $5.5 million budget for UF/IFAS’s workload and aggressive local governments. increase. IFAS has played a critical role in Putnam also spoke briefly about the the success of Florida’s agriculture industry. effect of the “farm to table” trend as being Whether it’s research in citrus, vegetables positive for agriculture, but he fears it is too or strawberries, it is obvious that IFAS niche and won’t have wide-ranging appeal research has been vital to agricultural by John Beuttenmuller for everyone. When asked what the FFVA improvements in the state. Florida Foundation Emerging Leaders could do on a local level It is clear that agriculture is at the Seed Producers, Inc. to promote agriculture in a more positive forefront in a positive way with our state light, the commissioner stressed the need legislators. Rick Roth of Roth Farms, who The class was introduced to Jon Steverson, for friends of agriculture in city and county also was on our trip, commented that he the new secretary of the Florida Department governing bodies. He encouraged getting doesn’t remember a time when agriculture of Environmental Protection. Steverson was in touch with county commissioners and was on the offensive in the state govern- appointed DEP secretary by Gov. Rick Scott seeing through more local legislation in ment. He remembers a much different effective Dec. 29, 2014. Before his appoint- favor of agriculture. Engagement in local time when agriculture was always on the ment, Steverson served as the executive schools is also a key to helping younger defense, against policies and bills that were director of the Northwest Florida Water generations learn that farmers are good not in support of one of the state’s biggest Management District, where he was heavily stewards of the land and are not the ene- industries. Finally, farmers are getting the involved with projects such as the protection my. Putnam pointed out that recognition they deserve for being great of the Apalachicola River and Bay watershed was a particularly difficult situation due stewards of our land and natural resources. as well as springs restoration and preserva- to the close proximity of premier beaches We’ve come a long way in this state, and tion. and urban development to one of the most with our Legislature behind agriculture we Before that, Steverson worked for DEP productive agricultural areas in the state. are heading in a positive direction. from 2011 to 2012 as special counsel on (Next page) Crisafulli understands importance of ag

by Nathan Decker Monsanto

One of the highlights of the trip to the state Capitol in Tallahassee was our visit with new Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli. From the very beginning, the speaker has recognized how vital agricultural is to Florida’s economy. He understands that agriculture is a $100 billion-plus industry in this state and it is in everyone’s best interest to have that in mind when making legislative decisions. One of the key ag interests is the agricul- ture sales tax exemption bill. FFVA’s Butch Calhoun gave Crisafulli credit for his strong Speaker of the House Steve Crisafulli, pictured with the group in his office, spent time assuring everyone support to the measure. The bill would that he understood the economic impact and appreciated agriculture . exempt agriculture-related purchases from 8 17 | April | 2015

policy and legislative affairs and acting factor in funding issues. LIP provides more ment of Agriculture and deputy secretary for water policy and eco- than $1 billion a year to help the state’s Consumer Services and UF/IFAS. Amid system restoration. Being from the Florida hospitals with uncompensated-care costs all the questions and concerns, Albritton Panhandle, Steverson is well aware of the for low-income and uninsured patients. allowed his optimism to shine through. importance of agriculture and agricultural Stargel has helped sponsor several bills For example, he noted that there are some water uses, and he expressed his apprecia- for FFVA. She has been to several farms to possible reliefs coming down the pipeline tion for agriculture and what our industry learn about different industries. “I would to combat citrus greening. means to the state and the country. Ste- rather listen to the experts themselves,” she Albritton also gave a brief but stirring verson provided our group with some in- said. In closing, she added, “I don’t want to call to action, urging us to become more sights as to what he thought would be very depend on foreign food.” I couldn’t agree involved in the political process to ensure big topics during the current legislative more. that our concerns are known on every session: water legislation and funding for Someone suggested that we should en- level of government. He reminded us that Amendment 1. Steverson expressed his in- courage some of our family to be interest- we need to stay proactive on issues and terest in making sure that DEP is a well-run ed in politics so we in agriculture can have policies both while the Legislature is in agency that serves to help its constituents. the upper hand. Several of the legislators session and on recess, and the importance As secretary, Steverson is very watchful we visited supported agriculture; we just of meeting and calling on legislators to of developments at the federal level with need more. It seems to me that something ensure our uniform voice is heard. With respect to Waters of the U.S. legislation, as someone depends on two to three times Albritton and others, it’s safe to say that we it could have significant impacts in Florida. a day would be always of the utmost have friends near and far who are looking Butch Calhoun of FFVA’s Government Rela- importance, but agriculture seems to be out for industry and dedicated to keeping tions Division congratulated Steverson on on the back burner a lot. However, it’s great our priorities in sight. Certainly, we thank several excellent appointments that he has to know we can count on Sen. Stargel. them for their service and support. already made during his time with DEP. One final thought: When that hole in their stomachs gets empty, all the politics in the world will change immediately. Amendment 1 is on the minds of many Keeping up the fight for agriculture Class 4 will travel to

California for by Dustin Grooms Fancy Farms, Inc. by Matthew Griffin its fifth One politician after another rushed into Lipman Produce our private conference room to talk to our class briefly before they had to rush back to On several occasions, I’ve had the oppor- session in July. session or other meetings. I found myself tunity to hear Commissioner of Agriculture wondering how many deals or important Adam Putnam speak on issues concern- decisions were made in the very room we ing Florida agriculture. One phrase I can Look for those were in. In midafternoon, we met up with recall hearing him use was, “We must box Republican Sen. Kelli Stargel. above our weight class.” During our visit to Amendment 1 funding seemed to be Tallahassee, we met with legislators from stories in the the main topic being discussed. Florida around the state, among them Rep. Ben voters approved this amendment to set Albritton of District 56. Albritton certainly aside a third of all documentary stamp is a great example of someone who is in next issue. tax revenue for the next 20 years to buy, the ring fighting on behalf of agriculture. sustain, and improve conservation lands. During the course of our meetings on It seemed everyone had their own ideas of the trip, the same themes kept surfacing: how to spend the nearly $19 billion. Stargel Amendment 1, restoration, said the budget is subject to the low- GMO labeling, greening, water rights/qual- income pool (LIP), which will be a major ity/quantity, and budgeting for the Depart- Volume 4 - Issue 4 17 | April | 2015 ELDP NEWS

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1: Congratulations to Clayton 2: Jennifer Hodges (Class 1) and Norman (Class 3) who became Adam Lytch were married on March 21 engaged to Candice Earl on April 3. in Maxton, NC. The couple enjoyed a honeymoon in French Polynesia.