EMERGING TIMES …growing toward the future Volume 9 • Issue 3 | March 2020 TALLAHASSEE

CONTENTS

Watching the Agriculture Committee in action ...... 2 House term limits present challenges...... 3 FDACS: Diverse priorities with a focus on hemp...... 3 Old Capitol preserves ’s unique history..... 4 Value of Fresh From Florida brand high among consumers...... 5 Class 9 learns about Ag Coalition members give lobbying insight...... 6 Dynamic duo pursues the legislative process funding for UF/IFAS...... 6 FVA ELDP Class 9 members had the opportunity Fried’s office has ambitious to visit Tallahassee during week three of the 2020 legislative goals ...... 7 legislative session, where we learned how a bill Payne spells out strong F By Taylor Sewell becomes a law and how to advocate on behalf of the Yara North America support for ag...... 8 agriculture industry. FFVA President Mike Joyner led Agriculture plays role in our group throughout the Capitol to visit both the improving Florida’s water House and Senate chambers. quality...... 8 The group visited the chamber for the House, which has 120 members. The chamber walls It starts with responsibility displayed 10 large paintings by Christopher Still depicting chapters of Florida’s history, rang- and hard work...... 9 ing from prior to European exploration all the way to modern society. The group also visited the Senate, which has 40 members. Albritton emphasizes One key takeaway from the ELDP class trip was that of the 160 members of the Legislature, importance of leadership....10 only about 10 have an agricultural background. This realization emphasizes the importance Sen. Wilton Simpson: An for leaders in our industry to step up and be a voice for agriculture. advocate for agriculture....10 Roth works on water and land bills to protect ag...... 11 Raschein plays key roles in ag committees...... 11 ELDP News...... 12

SUSTAINING SPONSOR 2 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Watching the Agriculture Committee in action is an enlightening experience wished to comment on the topic being necessary for the cat’s well-being. The discussed. I found it enlightening that committee passed the bill during the By Tim Cuellar anyone can have the opportunity to meeting, sending it on to the next com- Duda Ranches speak his or her opinion on a bill. “Inter- mittee. There were a lot people in the esting” would be an understatement to room to support the measure. describe my experience at the meeting. Once the proposal passed and the The topic of discussion was SB 48, committee took up the next bill, about n our first full day, Class 9 sat in which would ban the declawing of cats. 65 percent of those in the room left, on an Agriculture Committee Any veterinarian who fails to follow indicating the level of support for the Omeeting. As we walked into the this law would face a fine of $1,000 for declawing bill. It was very interesting to room, an announcement was made the first offense. The declawing would see how this bill fell under the jurisdic- that anyone could submit a card if they only be accepted if it were medically tion of the Agriculture Committee. 3 | Emerging Times • March 2020

House term limits present challenges

By Jeffrey Hancock Peace River Packing

fter an eventful morning of touring the state Capitol and Ameetings with the Ag Coalition, UF/IFAS and FDACS Fresh From Florida representatives, our group settled in at the Hopping, Green and Sams law firm’s board room for lunch. Over a delicious meal of chicken, roasted vegetables and strawberry shortcake, the class had an open discussion with FFVA President Mike Joyner about their experience from the morning activities. limits had certainly changed the way He also discussed the experience gap, During the discussion, Class 9 business is done at the state capital. which occurs when a longstanding member Ethan Basore observed that He explained how it was difficult to supporter of agriculture must leave each of the speakers from the morning educate a new class of inexperienced the House after eight years. It was an bemoaned term limits for state state representatives every two years enlightening morning and helped us representatives. Joyner elaborated on on agriculture-related issues and to get to understand the legislative process in the issue and told the class how term a feeling for who supports our industry. Tallahassee. FDACS: Diverse priorities with a focus on hemp he Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer the “go-to” person Services supports and promotes a diverse range of for their division Tinitiatives, even some you may not expect. ELDP because everything By Tony Kalogridis graduate Emily Duda Buckley, director of legislative affairs political funnels H&A Farms for Agriculture Commissioner , explained the through her. department’s scope ranges from the grocery store to gas This year, Florida pumps to hemp and everything in between. Buckley is hemp production, processing and distribution continue to occupy much of the department’s focus. There are multiple bills focused on hemp and Fried’s quest for Florida to become a premium hemp producer. However, there also is work to be done to pass bills focused on clarifying outdated statute language and improving privacy laws for aquaculture and animal testing facilities, Buckley said. As always, it is a busy politi- cal season in the capital, but the general mood is hopeful that much will be accomplished. 4 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Old Capitol preserves Florida’s unique history

new Capitol. The museum displays and historic agricultural tools to a more than 250 artifacts in 21 rooms collection of video interviews of By Johnny Lunsford for visitors to see. past legislators, there is no way one L&M Farms From the governors’ private office can experience all of the museum’s to the Supreme Court chamber, we exhibits in a single visit. could imagine the busy days of pol- As a Florida native, it was great for icymaking in the tall, echoing halls. me to see Florida’s unique heritage lorida’s historic Capitol Museum The museum’s mission is to “illumi- preserved in this beautiful building. was once the epicenter of the nate the past, present and future My recommendation is simple: FSunshine State’s governmental connections between the people of Whether lobbying for Florida policy affairs. This grand old building was Florida and their political institutions during the legislative session or saved from demolition in the late through programs of civic educa- teaching our younger generation 1970s through citizens’ action, and tion, historical interpretation and about Florida’s proud history, find now it stands proudly next to the preservation.” From Indian artifacts time to visit the old Capitol. 5 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Value of Fresh From Florida brand high among consumers

our products vs. imports at the grocery store. The program By Jay Johnston works with more than 70 retail Deseret Farms of Ruskin partners in 25 countries for a total of about 15,000 stores. Members of the program have access to the Fresh From Florida logo to ackie Moalli, director of market- use on their products. The logo is widely on developing consumer preferences ing at the Florida Department of recognized by consumers up and down is now driving value and benefitting JAgriculture, spoke with us in the Eastern Seaboard and around the Florida producers. depth about the Fresh From Florida world, FDACS research has shown. We left the meeting with a greater program. The Fresh From Florida Moalli presented data that demon- understanding of the benefits that the program evolved from The Florida Ag strates the value of this brand. Nine out Fresh From Florida Program brings to Promotional Campaign founded in 1990 of 10 consumers recognize the brand all of Florida agriculture. A continued by the . There are and are more likely to buy products focus on the marketing of the brand over 47,000 farms on 10 million acres labeled Fresh From Florida. Retailers will provide a more customer-oriented in the state, and this program puts are requesting Fresh From Florida future for all Florida agricultural prod- Florida agricultural products in front of displays for their stores and the labels ucts and especially those that partici- consumers and helps them to identify to be on Florida products. The focus pate and use the logo. 6 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Dynamic duo pursues funding for UF/IFAS uring a jam-packed legislative session Dweek in Tallahassee, By Johnny ELDP Class 9 had the pleasure Lunsford of hearing the real take on the L&M Farms budget lobbying process from the experts themselves: Mary Ann Gosa Hooks, director of government affairs for UF/IFAS, and Assistant Director Victoria Price. With an extensive background in legislative processes, water, land Ag Coalition use, growth management and environmental policy, Hooks is an influencer who knows how to get things done when members give it comes to the $91 billion budget at hand. At her side, Price monitors the issues that affect UF/IFAS and develops lobbying insight strategies to build governmental partnerships that create funding opportunities. From choosing sponsors By Perry Mason with political and Maury L. Carter & Associates partisan divides, to educating legislators with term limits and campaigns nagging he conversation our group had with representa- at their heels, these tives from the Ag Coalition was fascinating. The lobbyists have their work Tdiscussion provided insight into the world of pol- cut out for them. itics and how much behind-the-scenes work is involved A veteran of 10 years in getting bills passed. at IFAS and before that as The participants were Nancy Stephens (Ag Coalition director of government affairs chair), Adam Basford (Florida Farm Bureau) and Gary for Florida Farm Bureau, Hunter (Hopping, Green and Sams). As Basford pointed Hooks walked our class out, relationships are everything. I find that this rings through the clean and true in everyday life. It was truly an experience to have dirty tactics legislators these Tallahassee veterans lay the groundwork for the use to influence legislative process inside and outside of the capital. policy. There are great Basford’s story about what brought him to politics differences in the was resounding. My family and others in the citrus proposed House and industry are suffering from the effects legislation can Senate budgets this have on small family farms. It seems that now more session. The hurdles they than ever farmers must be globally aware, not simply navigate to pave the way concerned with national farming issues. Lobbyist assis- to common-sense budget tance is crucial in helping educate politicians on issues policy is something that our we’re facing and what legislation is needed in order to class was able to capture firsthand with their presentation. ensure the vitality and livelihood of farmers. We wish them the best of luck and are thankful to have them representing Florida agriculture in Tallahassee. 7 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Commissioner Fried’s office has ambitious legislative goals

Florida, graduated with a law degree er’s staff is trying to pass more than and a master’s in political campaign- 10 bills this year, including a general By Ethan Basore ing. The commissioner’s first role in maintenance bill that would help ex- TKM Bengard public service was when she was pedite and increase the productivity the public defender for Florida’s 8th of the office. Also proposed is a hemp Judicial District. She then moved on bill that would give her office the to help protect Florida families during funding and additional staff required t was an honor to meet with the economic recession as a foreclo- to make Florida a powerhouse in the Agriculture Commissioner Nikki sure defense lawyer. hemp industry. The commissioner IFried. Fried is the first female ag- We sat down with the commission- may be overly optimistic, but after riculture commissioner in the state’s er on the last day of our capital visit, our meeting I believe she is a true history. She does not come from an and the class had the opportunity supporter of Florida agriculture. The agriculture background, but public to discuss ongoing issues facing our commissioner thanked the ELDP class service has always been in her life. industry. Fried discussed what her of- for visiting the capital and encour- The commissioner, who was student fice is trying to accomplish during this aged us to become more involved in body president at the University of legislative session. The commission- our state politics. 8 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Payne spells out Agriculture plays role strong support for ag in improving Florida’s very time we water quality fill up a green “E space with By Tim concrete, it is a lost Cuellar opportunity for agricul- Duda Ranches By Taylor Sewell ture.” Those are the wise Yara North America words from Rep. Bobby Payne, one of the many legislators whom Class 9 had the pleasure to meet. Payne is a Republican representing House District 19, which includes Putnam, Clay, Bradford hile visiting and Union counties. Tallahassee, Payne began his career working 38 years in the electric WFFVA ELDP and utility business. He praised his time in the utility busi- Class 9 members heard ness because it taught him how to build relationships. from Department of En- This is a crucial part of being able to wield influence and vironmental Protection make progress while the Legislature is in session. Payne Secretary Noah Valen- emphasized his support for agriculture, recognizing that stein and Alex Binkley agriculture has sustained the Florida economy when with DEP’s External tourism did not. Payne has worked tirelessly for the Affairs. They shared the water quality bill. He said he is tired of hearing farmers department’s legisla- and ranchers being attacked in the media as sources of tive session priorities, nutrient loading into waterways. including funding for The short time we were able to spend with the upgrading wastewater representative assured me that he is devoted to ad- treatment facilities, vocating for Florida agriculture. Payne received FFVA’s Everglades and springs 2019 Legislator of the Year Award along with Sen. Ben restoration, and bills that Albritton. Because he was unable to attend the conven- aim to improve general tion to receive the award, Class 9 had the opportunity water quality. to present it to him in Tallahassee. The two bills of inter- est to the DEP are The Clean Waterways Act (SB 712) and House Bill 1343. These water quality bills take a comprehensive look at improving water quality across the state and outline the four areas playing an active role in water quality: stormwater, wastewater, agriculture and septic tanks. Provisions around agriculture include requiring the Department of Agriculture to inspect farms enrolled in Best Management Practices and the development of new BMPs with help from the University of Florida. By working together, DEP and agricultural producers can make great strides in protecting our state’s water quality. 9 | Emerging Times • March 2020

It starts with responsibility and hard work

chores on his family’s New England Veterans Affairs; and Transportation horse farm. and Infrastructure. By Kim Burman As an environmental consultant Class 9 was pleased to learn that Glades Crop Care on the regulatory side of matters, Overdorf understands the impact and Overdorf turned his frustration with potential of Florida agriculture. Some limitations into motivation. He re- of his priorities include bills addressing sponded to his father’s challenge to water quality, endangered species and fter thanking us for making the rise by being elected to office in 2018. BMPs. During the session, he is collab- journey to Tallahassee, Rep. With undergraduate and graduate de- orating with Rep. Bobby Payne and AToby Overdorf shared his unique grees in biology and an environmental Sen. on several issues. qualifications and priorities as a Repub- MBA, Overdorf has the educational Activity between sessions is crucial lican member of the Florida Legislature background to support his position. to shape outcomes of future sessions, representing the House District 83, He works hard to make a difference he explained. Looking ahead, he is al- which includes parts of Martin and St. by serving on the House Commerce ready engaged in seagrass mitigation Lucie counties. He said the first critical Committee as well as House subcom- for the next session. He encouraged foundation of responsibility and hard mittees for Higher Education and our class to visit him at his new office work comes from his childhood, which Career Readiness; Higher Education in downtown Stuart or contact him at was shaped by Saturday morning Appropriations; Local, Federal, and [email protected]. 10 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Sen. Wilton Simpson: An advocate for state agriculture

By Luke Davis Southern Gardens Citrus

n a political climate where the voice of Florida agri- culture is diminishing, Sen. Wilton Simpson stands Iup and fights for our industry. Simpson, an egg farmer and more recently a citrus grower, understands Albritton emphasizes the uphill battle that agriculture faces with the urban- ization of Florida. The senator explained that there are very few state the importance legislators left who truly understand the importance of agriculture to our state. He stressed how extremely of leadership important it is for us as young leaders in the industry to get involved with our local lawmakers and educate n its recent visit to them on the impact that agriculture has on their Tallahassee, Class 9 everyday lives. It is also imperative that we get to know had the honor and O By Ethan our local and state officials and even more important pleasure to speak with Sen. Basore that they know who we are and what we stand for. Ben Albritton. The senator, TKM Bengard Simpson emphasized the significance of communicat- who previously served in ing with non-agriculture people about our industry. the House, has always been The more people we educate, the more we can bring a strong voice for and supporter of Florida agriculture. to our side to help keep agriculture strong in the state The senator discussed the importance of leadership and of Florida. what we need to do to keep Florida agriculture strong. He We still face many issues, and there are many fights stressed the importance of our collective voice and what it we must continue to fight to keep agriculture as a means to be a proud Florida farmer. prominent force in Florida. To do that, we all must heed Albritton is a strong supporter of Best Management Simpson’s advice and keep advocating for agriculture. Practices and is pushing a bill he’s sponsoring for Florida farmers to “get on the program” and to follow them as intended. Albritton wants to fight back against the attack on Florida farmers and ranchers. We need to be proud of what we produce and what we do to protect Florida’s natural resources. Albritton also issued a challenge to the class members to get involved. As emerging leaders, he said, it is our job to be the next generation’s voice for Flor- ida. It was a true honor to meet with this great advocate and supporter of Florida agriculture. 11 | Emerging Times • March 2020

Roth works on water and land bills to protect ag n the final day Roth said legislators are trying to get people to move of our visit, to Florida before they retire and bring their businesses Owe met with By Jay Johnston with them and “grow Florida the way Floridians want it Rep. Rick Roth. He is Deseret Farms to grow.” They also recognize the importance of passing a third-generation of Ruskin legislation that will protect agricultural lands, springs, Florida farmer from pristine waters and other areas along the Kissimmee River Belle Glade who is from development. It is easy to see Roth’s passion for in his fourth term representing District 85. Roth also is the agriculture and for the state that we all call home. longest serving member on the FFVA board of directors and president of Roth Farms. Roth spoke about what drove him to get involved in politics. He started as the Palm Beach County Farm Bureau president and decided to run for office in 2016. Roth has a passion for farming and advocating for the Florida farmer. He spoke about being an advocate at the local level and appreciating the different views of others at the state level. His focus going forward will be to work on water and land bills to protect agriculture. Water is always a hot topic in Florida, and Roth said the conservation of water for agriculture use is one of his priorities.

Raschein plays key roles in ag committees om the moment Rep. Holly one at a hospital and the other work- Raschein began her conversation ing in business development at First By Perry Mason with our class, I realized how “on State Bank of the Florida Keys. Before Maury L. Carter & Associates F fire” she was to serve our great state. learning about Raschein, I believed Raschein is no stranger to hard work, that senators and representatives did holding two jobs in the Florida Keys: those jobs full-time. It was refreshing to learn that our legislators do this work because they love it, and most often work other jobs simultaneously. Raschein serves District 120, which includes Monroe and southern Miami-Dade counties. She chairs the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and is vice chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee. She plays a major role for agriculture by helping educate individuals in more urban- ized areas on what farmers do. I am confident that Raschein is a warrior for agriculture, and I am grateful to have her on our side. 12 | Emerging Times • March 2020

ELDP News 1 2 1 John Evans (Class 5) and his wife, Ann, welcomed baby daughter Margaret Ann Evans on Dec. 18, 2019. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.

2 Andrew Bryan (Class 6) and his fiancée, Jana Williams, were married on Dec. 20, 2019, at Lowndes Grove Plantation in Charleston, S.C.

3 Frankie Montalvo (Class 7) and his wife, Alexis, welcomed baby son Juan Montalvo IV on Nov. 11, 2019. He weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.

4 Five ELDP alumni have been named to FFVA’s board of directors. They were appointed after changes to FFVA’s bylaws that added 3 five new at-large board seats designated for ELDP producer-member graduates. The new ELDP board members are: Elizabeth Malek, Lipman Family Farms (Class 1), Derek Orsenigo, Grower’s Management (Class 2), Dustin Grooms, Fancy Farms (Class 4), Justin Pettit, Blue Hammock Farms (Class 7), and Josh Griffin, Grimes Produce Company (Class 8).

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Malak Orsenigo Grooms Pettit Griffin