Fairs, Festivals and Farm Bureau Days!

-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President

Greetings,

With spring in full swing, so are our fairs and festivals that honor our agriculture industry. Volunteering during these events are critical as we strive to make “The Voice of Agriculture” heard through varied initiatives in our area, statewide and nationally. Our impact and success at both the Florida State Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival are examples of just two events that highlight our agriculture industry and bring folks together to celebrate the successes of our industry and our youth.

During the Florida State Fair, Farm Bureau hosted our annual “Ag-Venture,” welcoming over 60,000 fair attendees through our exhibit, allowing both children and adults to participate in hands-on events related to various parts of our agriculture industry. The Florida Strawberry Festival recently concluded and was a wonderful celebration of another great strawberry season. Farm Bureau was pleased to be part of the Festival and we look forward to next year!

This month also marks the annual Farm Bureau Days in Tallahassee. While in Tallahassee, Florida Farm Bureau members will advocate at the State Capitol on Florida Farm Bureau priority issues during the 2023 Legislative Session. Members will share with state legislators how they are growing forward in agriculture within their communities and why their efforts are important to the state.

Our Annual spring Ag-Venture field trips will take place next month. These field trips serve as a learning experience for Hillsborough County elementary

Hillsborough County

school students through which they come to understand agriculture and the importance of where our food comes from through both presentations and hands-on activities, many involving volunteers.

April also includes the annual “Farm to the Hill” Program of American Farm Bureau through which Farm Bureau members from across the country gather in Washington D.C. to meet with lawmakers on behalf of our industry. It is essential that our federal lawmakers recognize how our industry impacts our nation and world, as well its overall economic impact, so that they can act in manner that fully supports agriculture going forward.

If you are a Farm Bureau member actively involved as a volunteer, thank you! If you are not a member, please consider joining so that you can help us with our role as the “Voice of Agriculture” whether it is locally, statewide or nationally. Please visit www.hcfarmbureau.org for more information about member benefits and opportunities for engagement.

Thank you,

Dennis Carlton Jr.

Dennis Carlton Jr. - President