If there was one theme that emerged from the recent FFVA 69th Annual Convention, it was that the fresh produce industry must be united and engaged to affect state and federal agriculture policy. In the issues forum, “The Worldwide Economics of Produce,” UF/IFAS economist and fellow Florida Grower contributor Dr. John VanSickle posed the question for growers: “Why are we still at risk?” The U.S. is still recovering from the recession and is still affected by the European debt crisis, he said. The U.S. budget crisis still looms with lawmakers locked in partisan battles.
Additionally, imports are affecting growers, and it’s getting more difficult for producers to recover their costs. Agriculture is in a “very, very precarious position,” he warned. VanSickle also pointed to the strength of the U.S. dollar, which has given rise to increased imports. Producers’ costs are increasing, market shares are shrinking despite the obesity crisis, and margins continue to be squeezed. Farming is a riskier venture than it once was, he said.
VanSickle suggested that the fresh produce industry needs a new business model to inspire consumers to want more produce. Import relief is part of the equation, he said, outlining some options that are available to industry. But so is re-evaluating the business model for agriculture. Growth in greenhouse production is turning fresh produce into more of a commodity business, he said, and margin management becomes critical. “I believe there is a revival,” he said. “We’re going to work hard to find it. Those who work hard to be innovative and accept change will be the survivors.”
Working On Labor Issues
A session titled “The Labor Landscape: A Growing Concern” focused on the industry’s efforts in pushing for a workforce solution for agricultural employers. Craig Reggelbrugge, vice president of government relations with the American Nursery & Landscape Association, urged attendees to engage on the issue. “You can make a difference,” he said. He advised the group to leverage every opportunity and every conversation to educate elected leaders on the issue. “You’ve got to talk about this issue. You’ve got to tell them what’s going on,” he said.
It’s important for agricultural employers to connect the dots between what they do and how they create jobs to support economic growth, Reggelbrugge said. He also discussed possibilities for progress on the issue after the presidential election and outlined what representatives from the industry have been doing to prepare for those possibilities.
Plug Into The Political Process
Another panel discussed the Florida election and what the results would mean in “Election 2012: What’s Ahead for Agriculture?” State Rep. Ben Albritton (District 66) discussed the likelihood of another E-Verify bill being introduced in the next legislative session. He also encouraged growers to be involved in the legislative process. Agriculture must be recognized and have a stronger identity, he said, “so we can have a much bigger impact on politics. Florida agriculture standing up and being counted like we’ve never been counted before will make all the difference in how the water battles are fought, in the regulatory environment around our businesses, and how labor regulation is managed in our world.”
Albritton added, “Sometimes in ag, we talk about our threats as water, pests and disease, or labor. But the greatest threat to our future is us being apathetic.” He urged the group to reach out to candidates, be involved in campaigns, and most of all, to vote.