The people we come across in life can either boost our spirit and widen our eyes or sap our energy and drain our positivity. I met and listened to people from all aspects of the industry at the recent Citrus Expo in Tampa, and needless to say … every single one of them fell into that first category.
Now bear in mind that each time I go to an event like an Expo, a growers meeting, or Farm Bureau meeting, I already know I’m going to meet the most seasoned individuals who are always eager to share. Still, there’s something particularly exciting about walking out with more than I expected.
At the event, Dr. Scott Angle discussed his return to IFAS, saying he was “coming back to light a fire under those who are working on greening.” His message was one of promise and resilience despite the challenges the industry faces. He talked about a book he recently reviewed that drives home the message that there’s enough research and work being done to keep the industry alive and thriving, though it may look a little different.
David Hill of Southern Hill Farms and Dustin Grooms of Fancy Farms — who both run immensely successful agritourism operations — shared lessons and takeaways from their journey.
Florida Sen. Jay Collins and Rep. Danny Alvarez came into their panel discussion with moderator Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association President Mike Joyner open and eager to hear from growers so they can better represent that state and the ag community.
“Food security is national security,” Collins said. “We cannot lose agriculture. When we lose the ability to feed ourselves, we lose everything.”
He conveyed his sense of urgency to help small farms and growers who are struggling.
“We have to move at the speed of people losing their lives and their farms.”
Alvarez echoed that resolve, emphasizing the need for growers to inform legislators of the problems they face and to stand together.
“We need to unite as an agricultural industry, an agricultural state,” he said. “Too much infighting within agriculture degrades our messaging and our ability to fight in Tallahassee.”
