Opinion: Florida Ag Is Fueled By Its People

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to make my first visit to Florida as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. While I knew your state had a strong agricultural industry, I was impressed by the diversity of the agricultural economy and its importance to Florida’s overall success and growth.

I began my trip with a visit to Plant City, where I toured Castillo Farms, a first generation family farm that has successfully worked with USDA programs to grow its operation and implement effective soil and water conservation practices.

Hilda and Fidel Castillo immigrated to the Plant City area from Mexico a few decades ago to pick fruits and vegetables on area farms. Over time, with hard work, they leased an acre or two of their own land to farm themselves. They scrimped and saved and worked with local USDA Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service employees for advice and support. Today, the Castillos produce cantaloupe, strawberries, and peppers on 40 acres of their own land, where they employ a few dozen workers. I spent a couple hours visiting their operation, even helping out with a little picking. I can tell you it is an impressive operation with its own well and irrigation system, and even more impressive owners. They are creating opportunities for folks in their community and are producing safe and healthy food that Americans place on their kitchen tables every day.

I left their farm proud of the work that USDA staff and programs have done over the years to help build successful farming operations that feed our nation and provide lasting environmental benefits to our children. I also was reminded of why I am committed to promoting policies so that the Castillos’ story can be repeated around Florida and the nation.

Later in the day, I took part in a roundtable convened by U.S. Congressman Allen Boyd and Congresswoman Kathy Castor in Tampa. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear from leading representatives of Florida’s agriculture industry about their concerns, challenges, and successes. We discussed issues ranging from sustainable production, immigration reform, pest and disease management, conservation, disaster relief, and how USDA can continue to support farmers across the state. It was valuable to hear the specific concerns of a host of industries: dairy, citrus, forestry, cattle, sugar cane producers, and others, and to get a sense of Florida’s crucial role in the national and global food supply.

The day taught me that the strength of Florida’s agriculture industry is a direct result of the hard-working folks across the state. The Castillo family and the agriculture leaders I met exemplified how farms contribute to the prosperity of communities around the country.

In the months and years ahead, I look forward to continuing USDA’s partnership with producers in Florida to maintain a strong and appropriate farm safety net, to provide support to struggling industries, to help the next generation of Americans get their start in farming, and to build a stronger agricultural economy for future generations. This work will help create prosperity rural America, to ensure it remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family. And it will help keep American farmers on the farm.