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The Florida Farm Bureau Winter Advisory Commodity Conference ( WACC ), held once every two years , is a rich source of information . On Feb . 5 , more than 180 farmers , ranchers and technical advisors convened at the Best Western Gateway Grand in Gainesville to network with fellow members and discuss top priority issues .
Experts representing 17 commodity groups brainstormed issues ranging from pesticides and research to immigration reform and food safety .
“ Immigration reform was the most prominent issue surfaced during
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the advisory committee breakout session ,” said Jaime Jerrels , assistant director of Agricultural Policy . “ AFBF committee appointees will present the issues surfaced at WACC during their committee meetings later this month .”
In addition to breakout sessions , members attended various
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agriculture-related presentations by staff and outside experts .
Matt Erickson , American Farm Bureau Federation economist , provided an update on the national economy , focusing on the Midwest drought and its effect on Florida agriculture . “ Every commodity is dictated by corn , like it or not ,” said
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Erickson . He also pointed out that while he was optimistic that Florida won ’ t get a freeze , it is still a major concern and would be devastating to production agriculture .
Darrell Smith , assistant director for the state Office of Agricultural Water Policy , reminded the audience that water policy is the
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10 FLORIDAGRICULTURE | March 2013 |