Hello and well wishes from Polk County Farm Bureau.
The 2025 Legislative Session and Governor DeSantis bill signings are now behind us, and 2026 session committee meetings are just around the corner. The Florida agriculture community enjoyed achievements during this session including:
- SB 480, Health Coverage by Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations, was signed into law, enabling the Florida Farm Bureau to offer tailored health coverage options to farmers and ranchers.
- The Florida Farm Bill was signed into law, strengthening protections for Florida-grown products, facilitating housing for legal agricultural workers, and investing in youth programs through Department-sponsored dues.
- The Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Joint Resolution paves the way for a 2026 ballot initiative that would exempt agricultural equipment from the burdensome tangible personal property (TPP) tax.
Additional information on these and more can be found by visiting https://floridafarmbureau.org/news. Specific to Health Coverage by Nonprofit Agricultural Organizations, we expect further information to become available in the coming months and will keep our members informed as we know more.
Registration is now open for our 83rd Annual Meeting and Membership Celebration to be held October 9, 2025, beginning at 6 p.m. at The Barn at Lazy P Ranch in Bartow. Members and agriculture community friends are invited to join us for a steak dinner, fellowship, and great entertainment from comedian “Tim the Dairy Farmer.” There is no charge for Farm Bureau members to attend. Seating is limited and members will be given seating priority. To RSVP to attend contact Sarah Waldman at saraht@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, ext. 112. Sponsorships are available for this event. If you are interested in sponsoring this event or need additional information, please contact Carole McKenzie at carolem@pcfb.org or 863-533-0561, ext. 111. You can also access registration and available sponsorships through the QR code link below.
As we head into a new school year, we want to remind agriculture educators and students about Agriculture Education Services & Technology, Inc. (AEST), a Florida Farm Bureau subsidiary, that supplies the agriculture industry with a certified workforce. To learn more about the program and agriculture certifications offered visit AEST.Ag.
Our best wishes to Polk students, parents, teachers, and administrators for a safe and rewarding new school year.
Sincerely,
Michael Matteson
President