Regulation Wringer Making Florida’s Future Farmers Stronger

Emma Reynolds

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Recently, we introduced the GenNext Growers initiative and some of the fresh faces from around the Sunshine Sate who represent the movement. We have asked them for their take on multiple business-related issues and topics as well as non-industry concerns.
This time, the GenNexters are focusing on today’s regulatory challenges.

Emma Reynolds
Reynolds Farms
Lake Placid, FL

Do you believe the current immigration reform bill is a move in the right direction?

Emma: It’s a start. It’s not perfect by any means, but we need something to happen when it comes to finding affordable labor. Currently it is hard to find reliable farmworkers — foreign or domestic. When farmers get so regulated down to the littlest detail and wages are continually increasing, it then becomes a function of if its worth harvesting or just leaving the crop in the field.

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How do you see the overall regulatory environment impacting the future of agriculture?

Emma: It’s good to have rules and guidelines, but it seems that every facet of farming has some regulation on it and two inspectors or agencies coming to check on it. Every time a new regulation is implemented — no matter how well-intentioned — it adds another cost.

What are some positive things you and other growers are doing when it comes to food safety and the environment?

Emma: Farmers are the original environmentalists and are good stewards of the land. Technology has helped operations to become more precise on applications and better knowledge has help in regards to how much product to apply; we have all become so much more aware of what we are leaving for the next generation.

Derek Orsenigo

Derek Orsenigo

Growers Management Inc.
LaBelle, FL

What is your view of the historic reform coming with the Food Safety Modernization Act?

Derek: The Food Safety Modernization Act is a good step in the right direction toward greater transparency and confidence with our food supply. Consumers in the U.S. already enjoy and benefit from the safest and most consistent food supply in the world and with this act comes an even greater assurance of quality and more confident mindset with those consumers. I see it as another step in bridging the gap between producers and consumers.

Do you believe the current immigration reform bill is a move in the right direction?

Derek: I don’t think the current bill is an “end all” plan. There is still too much speculation and assumption, and not a real-life perspective coming from our lawmakers about what producers need.

How do you see the overall regulatory environment impacting the future of agriculture?

Derek: As we move into the coming years, the regulatory environment and government in general will become more involved in all aspects of farming.

What are some positive things you and other growers are doing when it comes to food safety and the environment?

Derek: Many growers are ahead of the curve in terms of food safety, and they do a great job of governing and checking themselves to provide a safe food supply. No one is more concerned about food safety than the growers themselves.
Environmentally, growers and producers are again the first ones to care for the environment. The best example that illustrates this are the BMPs that growers in the Everglades Agricultural Area implemented years ago. The results speak for themselves.

Kim Erickson

Kim Erickson

Erickson Farm

Canal Point, FL

How do you see the overall regulatory environment impacting the future of agriculture?

Kim: For small farmers, the regulatory environment adds significant overhead costs. I think that’s probably a fair statement for all growers and packers. Unfortunately, our market is not one where it is accepted practice to pass the cost on to the consumer. We must teach consumers to value U.S. produce enough to pay a premium for it to remain financially sustainable and competitive.

What are some positive things you and other growers are doing when it comes to food safety and the environment?

Kim: Food safety and security is a good topic to help the consumer better understand what goes into producing their food and the benefits of a domestic supply.

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