As Congress works on the farm bill, U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., recently held a forum in which all local farmers and stakeholders were invited to give direct feedback about how current federal agriculture programs are impacting their operations and to suggest changes for improvement.
Several prominent dairy, cattle, poultry, and produce farmers from Citrus, Hernando and Pasco Counties participated in the discussion. Several local leaders who understand the importance of agriculture on the economy also joined the conversation. They included Citrus County Commissioners Rebecca Bays and Diana Finegan, Hernando County Commissioner John Allocco, Hernando County Sheriff Al Nienhuis and Brooksville Mayor Blake Bell.
“Congress is set to reauthorize the federal farm bill, which provides support for a variety of agriculture and nutrition initiatives, including critical research, conservation, innovation, infrastructure, health and nutrition, and supply chain security. Agriculture is a vital part of national, state, and regional economies. Throughout the country, 46 million jobs are supported by this industry which yields $8.6 trillion in economic output. Agriculture is responsible for more than $200 billion in exports and almost $950 billion in tax revenue. Even more importantly than its vast economic impact, the security of domestic food supply is a critical national security issue. The farm bill currently being considered is expected to have a hefty price tag of more than $1.4 trillion over the next 10 years,” the congressman’s office noted.
“I am so grateful for the feedback of our local farmers who shared with me meaningful insight about this critical industry. I am going to make sure Florida’s farmers get their fair share of federal funding designed to support local agricultural needs,” said Bilirakis. “These are the experts in the field who are working tirelessly each and every day to keep America fed and they need more support. I have already shared their ideas with my colleagues, and I will not stop fighting to protect their interests throughout this process.”
After the meeting with local farmers, Bilirakis compiled a list of the group’s most pressing concerns and shared it with his colleagues in Washington, D.C., including a letter sent to U.S. House Agriculture Chairman GT Thompson, R-Penn.
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