MARCH 20, 2006

ISSUE 1107

 

FFVA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHARES INDUSTRY CONCERNS WITH LAWMAKERS

 

Protecting the Greenbelt law, cutting taxes and supporting IFAS research were among the messages to state lawmakers last week in Tallahassee during FFVA's Executive Committee meetings.

 

Following the discussions, FFVA leaders voiced appreciation for the general pro-business atmosphere held by legislators, but were concerned by the less-than-congenial mood this session among Senate leaders. (FFVA Producer Members see this week's Capitol Rap legislative report for details.)

 

Senator Rod Smith, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, met with FFVA to discuss the issues most important for producers. Sen. Smith is a Democratic candidate for governor. Other gubernatorial candidates have been invited to meet with FFVA as their schedules permit.

 

During the Executive Committee business meeting, FFVA President Mike Stuart reviewed developments on federal immigration reform, country of origin labeling, appropriations requests and a broad industry initiative focusing on the next farm bill, which is anticipated for action in 2007.