STATE BOARD MANUAL FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION
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FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION STATE BOARD MANUAL
Table of Contents About Us Mission & Vision 3 FFBF Documents 4 History 6 Board of Directors State Board District Map 27 Officers 28 District Directors 28 Women’s Committee Members & YF&R Leadership Group 31 FFBF Board Committees & Descriptions 32 Directors & Officers 35 Compensation & Benefits 36 Florida Farm Bureau Federation FFBF & Affiliated Companies Descriptions 38 Farm Bureau Bank, FSB 42 Organizational Charts for Affiliated Companies 43 Membership Agreements 46 FFBF Organizational Structure 47 Executive Office 48 Agricultural Policy Division 49 Government & Community Affairs Division 52 State Legislative Affairs Division 54 Field Services Division 55 Public Relations & Communications Division 59 Accounting County Services Division 61
Mission
The Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s mission is to “increase the net income of
farmers and ranchers, and to improve the quality of rural life.”
Vision
The vision of the FFBF is that the “Florida Farm Bureau will be the most effective,
influential and respected Farm Bureau in the nation. To truly be recognized as
Florida’s Voice of Agriculture.”
A Message from the President
Thank you for being a part of the State Board and if you are a
newly elected member, welcome. Our Board of Directors represents
the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, its subsidiary companies, the
members and more specifically all of Florida agriculture. You are the
leaders of this organization and the mission, direction and policies are
developed and implemented with your guidance. Your obligations
are to uphold the duty of loyalty, honesty, care, attentiveness and
the preservation of equity for all Florida Farm Bureau Companies and
Committees.
Please utilize this manual as a reference for Farm Bureau
documents and guidelines. In addition, the manual outlines the
Federation’s organizational structure as well as descriptions and staff
assignments for each division. You exemplify the characteristics of
leadership required to guide this organization. You are a large part of
the reason Florida Farm Bureau remains the Voice of Agriculture.
John L. Hoblick
3
FFBF Documents
FFBF Bylaws
Board Committee Assignments
County Farm Bureau Conflict of Interest Policy
FFBF & Wholly Owned Subsidaries Codes of Business
Conduct & Policy on Conflict of Interest
Responsibilities of Corporate Directors and Officers
Volunteer Reimbursement Guidelines
AFBF Membership Agreement
County Farm Bureau Uniform Membership Agreement
FFBF Policies
State Advisory Committee Member Handbook
Agricultural Issues & Advisory Committees Staff Assignments
Calendar of Events
Federation Directory
4
F LO RID A FARM BUREAU FE DERATI ON HISTORY
1940’s: A Humble Beginning History
The Great Depression of the 1930s left many “IN THE 1940S, WOMEN BEGAN TO
Florida farmers heavily mortgaged and in debt.
Citrus growers, especially, were caught in a vice UNDERTAKE PROJECTS INVOLVING
between low prices – grapefruit was bringing IMPROVEMENTS IN (THE) COMMUNITY”.
five cents a box on-tree in the late 1930s – and
handlers and shippers, who often controlled
harvesting.
Seeking a means of combating the shippers’
groups, several influential central Florida citrus
growers formed the Florida Citrus Growers, Inc.
(FCG) Citrus grower George Fullerton headed
up the new organization. The founders included:
Henry Pringle of Leesburg, J. J. Banks of Winter
Park, W. L. Burton of Windermere, Frank Laird of
Lake County and Lacy Thomas of Clermont.
By 1941, Florida Citrus Growers were unable to
do anything about the sorry state of Florida citrus
production. The group contacted American Farm Florida Farm Bureau’s first President,
Bureau Federation (AFBF) in Chicago and AFBF George L. Fullerton
sent a representative to the next FCG directors
meeting. A general farmers meeting was called The charter outlined the goals of the Federation:
in Orlando, attended by “Cap’n Ed” O’Neal,
president of AFBF, and it was decided that FCG • Give Florida farmers a special identity.
would be laid to rest and resurrected as the heart • Study and promote better cultural and
of a new Farm Bureau organization affiliated with research practices, product quality
AFBF. improvement, improved marketing methods
and market stabilization.
• Represent farmers in the Legislature.
• Compile and disseminate agricultural and
market data to farmers.
• Organize county Farm Bureau units.
The First Five Years
On Nov. 15, 1941, the first FFBF convention was
held, and the charter was read and approved.
About 100 farmers attended and elected
George L. Fullerton as FFBF’s first president. A goal
of signing 500 members was set, the minimum
required before FFBF could be accorded
standing within AFBF. Charles Sanford of Sarasota
County was the first to sign up and by day’s
end; nearly 200 other individuals had joined. On
March 13, 1942, the first county Farm Bureau was
formed in Dade County. A month later, county
Farm Bureaus were also being formed in Volusia,
Florida Farm Bureau’s first office was located in
Orlando’s Arcade Building. Hillsborough, St. Lucie, Lee, Manatee-Sarasota,
Indian River and Polk counties. By the time Florida
6
History of the Florida Farm Bureau 1940’s
Farm Bureau celebrated its first birthday in Miami,
membership had reached 1,180 and 17 county
Farm Bureaus had been established.
Women Get Involved
The Social and Education Committee was formed
in 1945 with Mrs. George W. Munroe of Quincy
as Chairman. It later became the Farm Bureau
Women’s Committee. These women began to
undertake projects involving improvements in
education, establishment of community frozen
food lockers, extension of rural telephone services
and electrification, rural health care and other
social and civic services.
The state organization launched a printed publication
Programs and Policies with the Florida Farm Bureau Bulletin in 1943.
Farm Bureau’s agenda for the 1945 legislature
has echoes in today’s Farm Bureau policies. 1941-1945
In that year, Farm Bureau sought a refund of In the latter part of the 1940s, under Presidents
the state tax on gasoline used off the road; George Munroe and Francis H. Corrigan, Farm
expanded research in poultry diseases and Bureau sought to provide affordable insurance
parasites; expansion of advertising for Florida for members. In 1946 it began offering Blue
oranges and by-product research by the Citrus Cross coverage, initially to members in Alachua,
Commission; and support for the Cooperative Suwannee, Polk, Columbia and Gadsden
Extension Service and experiment stations. The counties. Florida Farm Bureau began offering
protection and preservation of fresh water casualty insurance to its members through the
resources was also a priority. Even then, experts newly formed Southern Farm Bureau Casualty
were warning about the potential for saltwater Insurance Company in 1947. The company’s auto
intrusion into the state’s water supply. John D. insurance product gained rapid acceptance
Clark followed Fullerton as FFBF President from among farmers while the life insurance product
1943-1944. He was succeeded by one of the most got off to a slower start.
experimental of the early presidents Doug R. Igou
(1944-47), a Lake County citrus grower. Under During the ’40s the State Farm Bureau offices
Igou’s administration, commodity committees remained housed in a two-room suite in Orlando.
were reorganized and the Water and Drainage As staff expansion and insurance activities began
Committee was set up to research and advise to cramp things, a building fund was established
members on the State’s increasing water under President George Munroe and a new state
problems. headquarters was established in Winter Park.
Women have been leaders in Florida Farm Bureau since the organization was founded.
L-R Mrs. John Ford, Mrs. Luna Diamond, Mrs. Doug Igou, Mrs. George Munroe.
7
1950’s: A New Home History
In December 1950, the staff moved into a
renovated former municipal golf course
clubhouse. President Loring Raoul, elected in
1949, set a goal of helping the 50 county Farm
Bureaus become active, self-sustaining units.
Farm Bureau now had two fieldmen working with
counties. Change was also taking place at the
state level. A study of FFBF was conducted by
American Farm Bureau Federation. Rauol named
a management committee composed of himself,
General Counsel Henry Pringle and Executive Vice
President John Ford to act on recommendations
made by American Farm Bureau. While the
insurance program was a success, rumblings of
discontent were beginning to be heard. As Florida
Farm Bureau entered its second decade it was January 1950: The Florida Farm Bureau Bulletin
on the brink of its first major upheaval. In 1951, appeared in a new format with a new name.
membership stood at 10,000. Optimistic boosters to the 1951 convention elected Ed Finlayson of
had expected it to reach that level within three Jefferson County as president. Finlayson inherited
years of its founding in 1941. But if Farm Bureau an organization that had spent so much time
was a lackluster organization entering the ’50s, the and energy on the insurance scrap that little else
end of that decade would find it transformed into had been accomplished for months. Finlayson,
a political powerhouse. During this time it would elected for a second term in 1953, saw the
undergo some of its greatest changes and see an need to speed the growth of membership in the
explosive growth in membership. organization.
Insurance Turmoil The Legislative Arena
The leadership team that would set the course for At the state level, Finlayson determined that the
this success would emerge from turmoil centering best way for Farm Bureau to gain acclaim and
on FFBF’s relationship with the SFBIC. Resentment do something beneficial for members was to
grew among the Florida insurance staff and some score an impressive victory in the state legislative
FFBF directors about insurance management arena. A refund of the sales tax on gasoline used
by Southern. This resulted in a move to separate on farms was rated as Farm Bureau’s number
from Southern, but that effort failed. Delegates one legislative priority and county legislative
committees were formed to push for this goal.
With the support of Gov. Dan McCarty, a refund
bill passed – by a single vote. The final version
was something less than Farm Bureau had
wanted, but it was nonetheless a victory for
agriculture. By the end of 1953, FFBF membership
had risen to 13,000.
“THE 1950S PROVED TO BE A VERY
SUCCESSFUL DECADE FOR
OUR ORGANIZATION”.
Winter Park State Headquarters in the early 1950s
8
History of the Florida Farm Bureau 1950’s
In 1956, FFB’s leaders moved the state headquarters to Gainesville located in U.S. Highway 441.
The Mutual Insurance Company Growth in Membership and Staff
By spring of 1954, Southern Farm Bureau By the end of the 1950s, membership in FFBF had
insurance executives suggested that the time more than tripled. There were now 61 county
was right and recommended that the Florida Farm Bureaus in Florida and the organization
Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company be had 100 paid staff members in the Gainesville
formed. Farm Bureau members in Florida were office. County-level participation in the annual
soon buying fire insurance from their organization conventions was also strong. In 1958, the “Banner
in great numbers. By 1958, the mutual insurance County” competition – forerunner of the Gold
company was writing in excess of $500,000 in Star competition – was developed to recognize
premiums per year, exceeding even the most outstanding effort at the county level. The Winn
optimistic predictions. Dixie/Farm Bureau Scholarship was a convention
highlight. New contests were also added to the
First Headquarters in Gainesville annual meeting.
The prospect of moving Florida Farm Bureau
headquarters from Winter Park to Gainesville
drew heated debate from the board of directors
and individual members in the mid-1950s.
Proponents of the move pointed out that many
agencies Farm Bureau dealt with were located in
Gainesville.
Opponents wanted to maintain a central Florida
location, but the move north was approved by
the board in 1955 and work began on the new
location. On Aug. 1, 1956, Florida Farm Bureau
officially opened its third headquarters building
– a Southern colonial-style building south of
Gainesville on U.S. 441.
“MORE ATTENTION WAS PLACED ON
Pasco County Farm Bureau members made
LOBBYING WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A good use of fair exhibit space to promote
LEGISLATIVE OFFICE IN TALLAHASSEE AND membership in 1958.
STATEWIDE ADVISORY COMMITTEES”.
9
1960’s: Services Expand History
Governor Claude Kirk welcomed Farm Bureau visitors at his office.
Florida Farm Bureau entered the 1960s optimistic of the present Florida Agricultural Marketing
and ready to expand. The organization had Association. Florida Farm Bureau’s Citrus
been in its new building only four years, but rapid Marketing Program, under the Florida Agricultural
growth in membership fostered fears that the Marketing Association (FAMA) marked its 20th
building would soon be overcrowded. No sooner year anniversary in 1991. The program was
had the last brick been laid on a new addition founded to help Florida growers market their
than the FFBF board began discussing future citrus.
additions.
The ‘Tire, Battery and Accessory” Program (TBA)
Disaster is Spelled “Donna” was initiated. At first, it involved only the sale
Farm Bureau dealt with a number of disasters of tires to Farm Bureau members. But within six
during the ’60s, but none hit with quite the force months, all but two county Farm Bureaus had
of Hurricane Donna. The hurricane left a trail approved the tire program for their members
of destruction that few of the new residents and 71 dealers were in operation. FFBF
of Florida could believe. Donna provided the continued to provide members with service in
insurance company a chance to demonstrate other areas, including estate planning, safety,
how fast and effective it had become. Adjusters research on taxation and environmental rules,
provided the fastest service possible to insured legislative lobbying and testimony before various
farmers; The Farm Bureau Insurance Companies agriculture hearings on behalf of Farm Bureau.
paid out $500,000 in claims following Donna. But while services to members were growing,
membership was not. By 1963, membership
Services Expand growth was virtually at a standstill, putting a strain
The early sixties saw the formation of the Florida on finances. The insurance companies were also
Farm Bureau Marketing Association, forerunner suffering losses.
10History of the Florida Farm Bureau 1960’s
“THE MAGNIFICENT ORGANIZATION
ONE SEES TODAY WORKING
ON BEHALF OF AGRICULTURE,
HAD HUMBLE BEGINNINGS”.
Political Upheaval
In the early ’60s the political trends that were
so evident in Washington were beginning to be
seen in Tallahassee as well. FFBF failed to defeat
a tax increase. Its attempt to have enforcement
provisions added to the right-to-work law also
failed. During the 1963 session a drive to secure
trespass legislation flopped, and it was unable to
stop a drive to remove the sales tax exemption
from agricultural machinery. The Florida
Agricultural Marketing Association (FAMA) was
started to provide cooperative sales for Florida The Florida Agriculture magazine was changed to
farmers. Today, FAMA sells Florida products across FloridAgriculture and got a new look.
the country and offers products marketed by
other Farm Bureaus to Florida members.
growing by more than 1,000 members per year
and the number of State Board districts was
Florida Regains its Momentum
increased from nine to 19.
Art Karst took the reins as Florida Farm Bureau
president in 1965 and helped lead the
John C. “Jack” Lynn took over as Executive Vice
organization into increased membership and
President of Florida Farm Bureau in April 1969. He
expanded progress. The Board of Directors
pushed to have FFBF form a labor department
voted to hold a special convention in June
and Young Farmer Program and sought
1966. The meeting was called to consider a plan
increased awareness of the strength of the FFBF
for expansion. Among the recommendations
Women’s Program. In the legislative area, Lynn
were increased information and public relations
set up an office in Tallahassee which FFBF would
activities, improvement in legislative research,
share with the principal agricultural groups in
establishment of a Tallahassee legislative
Florida in an effort to help forge a uniform voice
headquarters, and establishment of an active
for agriculture. By 1969 FFBF membership had
statewide advisory committee system. Approval
passed 40,000 despite continuing declines in the
was given for most of the recommendations,
farm population. “All in all, the situation for Florida
including a $2.50 increase in member dues.
farmers and for Florida Farm Bureau members
appears to be the rosiest and most promising in
New Legislative Initiatives
memory,” Karst said.
FFBF also made strides in the legislative arena. This
was partially due to the fact that two of its officers
At the 1969 convention Walter Kautz was elected
and one director were currently serving in the
president and he would set the pace for the ’70s.
Florida Legislature. President Karst, Vice President
Kautz was representative of a new generation
Wayne Mixson and Board member E. C. Rowell
of FFBF leaders. Although he had risen through
all served in the Florida House of Representatives.
the ranks, he was the first president who had
Although the mid-60s was an era of some
not been active during the earliest years of the
confusion in state government, Farm Bureau was
organization.
able to lobby effectively for its agenda. Farm
Bureau successfully pushed for county agricultural
zoning boards. At the end of 1968, FFBF’s net
worth was up by 75 percent, membership was
111970’s: Whirlwind of Change History
In 1973, more than 300 FFBF employees moved staff members. By the end of the decade,
into a $3 million, five-story building near Interstate attendance on such tours had increased nearly
75 in Gainesville, where the Federation and five-fold. Farm Bureau continues to sponsor
insurance companies remain headquartered Washington tours, giving members direct access
today. Gov. Reuben Askew was among the to their lawmakers while they learn how the
dignitaries who spoke at the dedication later that federal government works. At the start of Farm
year. Bureau’s fourth decade in Florida, caution was
not the watchword. It was a time of enormous
It had become apparent that the frenzied flux. The new programs were taking hold and
growth of programs which had characterized reshaping the face of the organization.
the early part of the decade would have to be
controlled. The organization had experienced Commitment to Commodities
financial set-backs, and the Board of Directors There were any number of production problems
realized it could not continue to subsidize confronting Florida farmers in the late 1970s and
programs that had not proved their worth. A new early 1980s. They included brucellosis, black flies,
structure for Farm Bureau was established with Mediterranean fruit flies, corn blight, droughts
the President of the organization becoming the and freezes. FFBF leaders were committed to
Chief Executive Officer. Under the new system, seeing to it that affected farmers got the help
the Executive Vice President would become they required.
Assistant to the President. in July 1973, Walter
Kautz became the first full-time FFBF president. In its early years Farm Bureau was unable
The need for a program to help young farmers to address all of the commodity concerns
develop leadership skill became more apparent of its diverse membership. In the 1940s, this
in the 1970s. A Young Farmer and Homemaker had prompted members of FFBFs Vegetable
group was formed and Jimmy Ragans of Committee to form what later became Florida
Madison County was elected as its first chairman. Fruit and Vegetable Association. It was the same
The group later became the Young Farmers and
Ranchers Committee.
Working with an Urban Legislature
After the 1972 legislative reapportionment,
the State legislature lost many predominantly
rural districts and took on more of an urban
complexion. Even so, FFBF met with remarkable
levels of success. Defending the Green Belt Law
became routine business. The law provided for
agricultural assessments taking into account the
“use value” of farming operations rather than the
“best value.” It kept money in farmers’ pockets.
National Issues
The early ’70s brought the imposition of price
controls on food, the energy crisis, and increased
federal regulation. The awareness of the effects
of Washington on the day-to-day activities of
Florida farmers prompted FFBF to encourage
farmers to visit Washington D.C. in person. The
President Ronald Regan addressing a crowd
first Washington tour in years occurred in 1973 of Florida Farm Bureau members.
and involved more than 40 farm leaders and
12History of the Florida Farm Bureau 1970’s
case when members of FFBFs Citrus Committee
broke away to form what became Florida Citrus
Mutual. This trend continued as more commodity
organizations appeared. In the mid-70s, the
desire grew to do more in the way of commodity
programs within Farm Bureau. The commodity
advisory committee system was rejuvenated.
The committees embraced all of Florida’s major
commodity areas. In the minds of many members
these were the most important Farm Bureau
programs – they helped farmers increase their
production and income. In order to provide
producers with information on industry trends and
markets, FFBF conducted commodity tours in the
United States and several foreign countries. In the
1980s, citrus growers toured Brazil, where citrus
production was growing at an alarming rate, Anita Bryant was a famous spokesperson for the
threatening to change the world’s citrus balance. Florida Citrus Commission.
Florida growers also visited Holland, the world
center of the bulb business. Other Services to Members
Farm Bureau’s programs – from insurance,
labor and legislative to Young Farmers’ and
Women’s – flourished during the 1970s. One of
the most effective programs was in the area
of communications. Along with publishing
FloridAgriculture, Farm Bureau was producing
regular radio programs and monthly television
programs.
National Recognition
In 1978 Walter Kautz was elected to the AFBF
Board of Directors. The next year the AFBF Annual
Convention was held in Miami, the first time since
The second Florida Farm Bureau office, located in 1956 that the convention had come to Florida.
Winter Park, FL. That year Florida received a record five gold stars
for programs.
The board of directors in the late 60s early 70s.
131980’s: Painful Adjustment History
In the early eighties the property and casualty
insurance industry was going through painful
changes. Years of cash flow underwriting and
under-reserving of claim reserves were catching
up with the industry. Florida Farm Bureau
Casualty Company was no exception. In 1983,
with the help of outside actuaries the company
determined it needed some help to raise outside
capital. FFBF sold its life company to Southern
Farm Bureau Life and applied the proceeds
to the Florida Casualty Company. Southern
Farm Bureau Casualty Company purchased County Farm Bureau presidents stand with awards at
Florida Farm Bureau Casualty Company and the state annual meeting in 1986.
sold preferred stock to other state Farm Bureau
A Voice in Tallahassee
insurance operations to refinance the company.
FFBF maintained a legislative office in Tallahassee
through the ’80s. In addition to supporting a full-
Time to Rebuild
time lobbyist, Farm Bureau members travelled
By July 1985, Farm Bureau’s Casualty and Mutual
to the capital each year to host lawmakers
companies’ financial positions were stabilized
at legislative receptions, and then visit their
and profitable. The surplus had been boosted
individual lawmakers.
and the loss ratio reduced. The organization was
ready for active growth. Problems associated
Commodity Activities
with the insurance companies’ financial
During the 1980s it was recognized that Florida’s
problems caused membership to decline
agricultural diversity required some special
drastically from 95,733 in 1982 to 62,129 in 1985.
awareness on the part of Congressmen and their
Carl B. Loop Jr., who became president following
aides. The Commodity Activities Division was
the resignation of Walter Kautz in 1983, and
given the added responsibility of maintaining
the Board of Directors recognized the need to
close contact with Florida’s legislative offices
maintain the Federation’s services to members
in Washington, D.C. Farm Bureau’s commodity
as they sought to rebuild membership. By 1999, it
advisory committees continue to play a vital
had exceeded 130,000.
role in recommending policy and monitoring
conditions in individual commodity areas. The
Adapting to Change
creation of an aquaculture committee in the
In the mid-1980s, the State of Florida mandated
late ’80s demonstrated the ability of the system
growth management and required counties
to change to accommodate new developments
and municipalities to develop their own growth
in agriculture.
management plans following State guidelines.
While recognizing the need to manage the
State’s growth, Farm Bureau members also
realized that without input from agriculture, the
plans had the potential to cause land values to
decrease. County Farm Bureaus mobilized to
assure that farmers’ concerns were articulated.
FFBF appointed a full-time staff member to assist
in coordinating this effort by the counties.
The YF&R Leadership Group in the late 1980s included
current FFB President John Hoblick and wife, Kara.
141990’s: Adjusting To Change History
began preparing to house 35,000 migrant and
seasonal workers and family members. The fast
recovery of the South Florida winter vegetable
industry contributed to the economic recovery of
the entire area.
NAFTA
The North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA) was ratified in 1993. It eliminated tariffs
between the United States and Mexico over a 15-
year period. American Farm Bureau energetically
supported NAFTA, while labor and environmental
A Farm Bureau member expressed appreciation for interests opposed it. Concerned over NAFTA’s
insurance coverage after Hurricane Andrew. potential negative impact on Florida farmers,
especially citrus, tomato and winter vegetable
Hurricane Andrew was the defining natural producers, Florida Farm Bureau formally dissented
phenomenon of the 1990s. Andrew stormed from AFB’s policy calling for ratification. “Our
ashore in Dade County on the morning of people were very much opposed to NAFTA,” said
Monday, Aug. 24, 1992, changing the landscape Carl B. Loop, Jr., who was president of the Florida
of much of South Florida. By Tuesday, Florida Farm Bureau and served on the American Farm
Farm Bureau Insurance Companies had Bureau Board at the time. “What we were afraid
established a toll-free telephone number would happen, actually happened. We went
and assigned employees to handle claims. from 300 [tomato] growers down to about 100
By Wednesday night, the claims hotline had growers.”
logged nearly 1,200 calls. More than 70 (Mr. Loop’s quote is from Forward Farm Bureau by
adjusters were sent to handle claims. Florida Stewart R. Truelson)
adjusters were assisted by adjusters from Illinois,
Kentucky, Virginia, New York, South Carolina, Canker Plagues Florida’s Citrus Industry
North Carolina, Georgia, Arkansas, Tennessee In 1994, citrus canker, which had been detected
and Mississippi. By Thursday, Farm Bureau had in Florida groves in 1984, was declared
adjusters in the county Farm Bureau office in eradicated. Florida Farm Bureau was the first
Homestead; the next day, they set up a special agricultural organization to seek indemnification
claims office in Davie. A group of Farm Bureau by the state and federal governments of growers
members manned a convoy of 15 vehicles who had trees destroyed in the eradication
loaded with food and clothing, and the efforts. Those efforts eventually resulted in
Federation set up a relief fund to assist the Dade growers’ receiving some reimbursement for their
County agricultural community. Farm Bureau losses. Citrus Canker was again detected in 1995
insurance companies paid out more than $100 in Miami-Dade in a residential area near Miami
million in settlements, most of that covered by International Airport. It would subsequently be
catastrophe re-insurance. Less than a month detected in 24 Florida counties and eradication
after Andrew brought normal life to a standstill efforts by the Florida Department of Agriculture
in South Florida, the agricultural community and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry
was beginning to rebuild. The winter vegetable would continue until January 2006, when
crop had not been planted on the fields west of USDA withdrew funds for eradication. All tree
Interstate 75 when Hurricane Andrew slammed removal ceased and the program shifted to a
into the area, but packing houses, other buildings management program.
and farm equipment had sustained damage
estimated at $380 million. Nevertheless, the Program Emphasis Changes: “Commodities”
agriculture industry geared up for planting and Becomes “Agriculture Policy Division”
15History of the Florida Farm Bureau 1990’s
In the early 1990s, the FFBF Commodities Division Division became the Public Relations Division.
found itself increasingly involved in environmental FloridAgriculture, a descendant of the member
issues, monitoring changes in pesticide publications first published in the 1940s,
regulations, water issues, and technological continued Farm Bureau’s tradition of frequent
changes. Formerly, its role had emphasized communication with members. The division
helping farmers and rancher produce more communicated with members and the general
efficiently. Management recognized the public through traditional and evolving media,
changing role of the division, and in the early including news releases and the Voice of Florida
1990s, the name was changed to the Agriculture Agriculture web site.
Policy Division. Division staff members are still
assigned specific commodity areas and facilitate Membership Growth
the work of the advisory committees and the As the decade of the 90s drew to a close, Florida
policy development process. The Division also Farm Bureau had registered an increase in
works closely with other divisions within FFBF, membership. In 1999, for the 14th consecutive
American Farm Bureau, and state and national year membership increased, reaching an all-time
agencies to see that FFBF policies are enacted. high of 136,317 member families. When individual
Currently, implementation of the Food Quality family members were counted, our membership
Protection Act is considered to be the number exceeded half a million. The organization had
one policy priority. begun offering new services to those members,
including long distance telephone service
Storm of the Century Spawns FAWN through Farm Bureau Connection. In 1999, Florida
In 1993, a late season cold snap dubbed the Farm Bureau invited members to become charter
Storm of the Century caused widespread crop members of Farm Bureau Bank.
damage in South Florida. Because the National
Weather Service had recently phased out its Annual Meeting Thwarted
agricultural forecasting service, producers had A threat from Hurricane Irene forced Florida
received scant warning. To keep producers Farm Bureau to cancel the 1999 annual meeting,
from being blindsided by future weather which had been scheduled for October in
events, Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Fruit & Tampa. Irene struck Florida as a Category 1
Vegetable Association and other agricultural hurricane, producing somewhat heavy damage
groups supported development of the Florida in across the southern portion of the State and
Automated Weather Network (FAWN) by UF/IFAS. moving across the State then northward over the
FAWN, a network of automated weather stations Gulf Stream but steering away from the Tampa
located strategically around the State that Bay area. The 1999 annual meeting was held
update data every 15 minutes. Dec. 2-3, in an abbreviated format, in Gainesville.
(http://fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/ )
Field Services
The system of fieldmen developed in the 1940s
and ’50s continued to serve the organization well.
Though still involved in organizational matters and
training, FFBF’s eight field representatives now
devoted a great deal of their energies toward
issues management, including land use, water,
and private property rights. Field Services is still
the liaison between County Farm Bureau units “OPERATIONS IN THE 1990S INVOLVED
and the State organization. RESTRUCTURING THE DIVISIONS WITHIN
Public Relations
THE FEDERATION”.
In the mid-90s, recognizing its changing role
within the organization, the Communications
1621st Century: Progress & Professionalism History
The year 2000 began with concern about what most adaptable contributor to Florida’s economy.
might happen to computer systems with the Food is essential to life, so agriculture doesn’t get
transition into a new century. Thankfully, this the big up-and-down swings experienced by
problem did not prove to eb a catastrophic other segments (of the economy).” In 2009, UF-
disruption for either Florida Farm Bureau IFAS economists would peg the annual impact
members or our nation. But other challenges of agriculture, natural resources and related
required near-constant attention. Invasive pest industries on the Florida economy in excess of $100
and disease invasions, excessive regulatory billion.
burdens, competition from cheap imported
farm commodities, increasing water demand Everglades Restoration and Water Issues
by urban populations and agricultural labor In 2000, Congress passed the Comprehensive
shortages, among other issues, all affected our Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP). Florida
members. Florida Farm Bureau has remained Farm Bureau stationed an Assistant Director
actively engaged in every public policy question of Government and Community Affairs in
that affects agriculture, property rights and free South Florida to monitor the development and
enterprise. Volunteers and staff members work implementation of the plan and to represent Farm
tirelessly to represent our member’s interests. Bureau members. Later in the decade another
By working together, we have successfully specialist would be hired to work with and monitor
reduced the sales tax burden on farm producers, activities of the Southwest Florida and St. Johns
eased the burden of duplicative and needless River water management districts.
regulation and protected Florida’s Greenbelt law.
Pregnant Pigs Enshrined in Florida’s Constitution
Our work has included the development of In 2002, a coalition of animal rights activists used
Farm Bureau’s County Alliance for Responsible the State’s ballot initiative process to place on
Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program. the November ballot a constitutional amendment
Established in 2001 and now operating in all banning the practice of housing pregnant
areas of the state, CARES serves as a public sows in gestation crates. While proponents of
outreac initiative that helps promote public the amendment spent heavily promoting it,
awareness of how well farm families conserve production agriculture invested almost no funds
natural resources. The open secret of our in the campaign against it. Although Florida
success lies in our membership. Our people Farm Bureau mounted a vocal media outreach
make the difference. They give Farm Bureau its campaign opposing it, Florida voters approved
voice as well as its influence. Because of them, the amendment by a margin of 55-45 percent.
we have an organization that continues to Steve Koppernal, Vice President and founder of
grow in membership and develop an array of the Animal Industry Foundation, later commented
programming that meets the needs of successive that “with the exception of Farm Bureau, animal
generations. Our members have good reason agriculture sat on its hands.” In 2006, Florida voters
to expect that Florida Farm Bureau will achieve approved another amendment requiring future
another 75 years of excellent service. They proposed amendments be approved by 60
deserve nothing less. percent of the voters in order to pass. Later in the
decade animal rights groups would mount similar,
A Pillar of the Economy successful campaigns in Arizona, Colorado and
Tourism was curtailed following the attacks on the California.
Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon
in Washington, D.C. on September 11, 2001. Ag Lands and Practices Act
The State’s agriculture industry played a role in The Florida Legislature in 2003 passed the Florida
stabilizing the State’s economy. As President Carl Agricultural Lands and Practices Act without
B. Loop, Jr. explained it, “Agriculture has been the opposition. Florida Farm Bureau, which had long
17History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
up to Farm Bureau Day in Tallahassee, reaching
roughly 74 percent of the available audience
with a frequency of 3.2 repetitions per listener.
Another radio flight ran on PBS stations in the state
capital in morning and afternoon news blocks
to increase awareness of Florida’s agriculture
industry among elected officials, policy makers
and opinion leaders.
CARES Program
Florida Farm Bureau’s CARES program, the
County Alliance for Responsible Environmental
Recognizing Doug Green for his achievement in Stewardship, began in 2001 in conjunction with
oustanding environmental stewardship. the Suwannee River Partnership. Its purpose: to
recognize agricultural producers who voluntarily
sought to prohibit local and county governments
adopt and implement Best Management
from imposing regulations when State and
Practices (BMPs). BMPs are sets of huidelines that
Federal regulations were already in place,
advise farmers on how to manage the water,
earnestly lobbied for the measure and spent
nutrients and pesticides that they are using on
much of the rest of the decade working to see
their land. By 2009Since its founding, CARES has
that the act was enforced. Other Farm Bureau-
recognized over 850 agricultural producers who
backed legislation passed during the decade
have successfully adopted and implemented
included a sales tax exemption for electricity
BMPs. initiatives had been developed in other
used on farms and measures streamlining the
areas of the state including the Santa Fe, Indian
process for permit extensions and comprehensive
River, Okeechobee and Tampa Bay regions. The
plan reviews. During every session of the
CARES program brings agricultural associations,
Legislature, FFBF warded off attacks on its key
public agencies, institutions and farmers together
“watchdog issues,” which included the UF/IFAS
to increase environmental awareness. Public
and Florida Department of Agriculture budgets,
recognition of producers under the CARES
agriculture’s sales tax exemptions and the
program demonstrates to the public that the
Greenbelt property tax classification.
agriculture industry is actively involved in utilizing
sound environmental management. By 2009,
Promoting Public Awareness of Agriculture
these initiatives have been developed in other
In 2002, Florida Farm Bureau and the Florida
areas of the state including the Santa Fe, Indian
Department of Agriculture mounted a joint
River, Okeechobee and Tampa Bay regions.
campaign aimed at increasing public awareness
Public recognition of producers under the CARES
of agriculture in this highly urbanized state. A
program demonstrates to the public that the
scientific survey conducted in 2008 indicated
agriculture industry is actively involved in utilizing
1/3 of the adult population in the state recalled
sound environmental management. Florida Farm
having heard or seen the campaign message,
Bureau hosts a variety of recognitions throughout
“Safe, Affordable and Abundant: Food for
the year, including the Suwannee River CARES
Thought, From Florida’s Farmers.” The mass
Dinner and Recognition held each spring. CARES
media component of the campaign employed
recipients receive a certificate and a “This Farm
paid PSAs on statewide cable television, public
CARES” sign to display at their accord. Florida
broadcast and commercial radio advertising,
farmers and ranchers are doing their best to be
radio networks, RFD-TV programming, print ads
stewards of the land through conservation and
and our own Farm Bureau media. In 2009, for
preservation. The CARES program encourages
example, announcements ran during two weeks
others to follow in these practices so that
in March on 108 radio stations in 112 markets,
together we may all preserve the land for
coinciding with the legislative session and leading
generations to come.
18History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
2004 brings Back-to-Back Hurricanes and growth. In October 2006, John L. Hoblick
In 2004, five named storms struck Florida in quick was elected president. After his election Hoblick
succession during one of the deadliest and most embarked on a series of “President’s Listening
costly Atlantic hurricane seasons on record. Sessions.” He visited all eight field districts in
Tropical Storm Bonnie strengthened over the the state, meeting with County leaders to
Gulf of Mexico, then turned northeast and made hear their concerns. Hoblick emphasized a
landfall near Apalachicola with 45 mph winds, renewed commitment by the Federation to the
causing flooding and minor damage; followed organization’s grassroots. In 2008, he announced
in quick succession by Hurricanes Charley, a two-year initiative titled “Strong Family Farms –
Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. It was the only time Strong Florida.” This program focused on family
in recorded history that four hurricanes affected farms and rural communities.
Florida in one season. On Aug. 13, Charley made
landfall west of Fort Myers then swept Punta Protecting UF/IFAS Budget
Gorda with 145 mph winds, swept across central During the decade, Florida Farm Bureau found
Florida and exiting the state near Daytona itself stepping up during every session of the
Beach. On Sept. 5, Hurricane Frances made Florida legislature to defend the University
landfall on the east coast of Florida with 105 of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural
mph winds, weakened into a tropical storm and Sciences against sharp budget cuts. IFAS,
emerged over the Gulf of Mexico, then making the research, extension and teaching arm of
its second landfall near St. Marks, Fla. Hurricane the state’s largest Land Grant institution, the
Ivan, a Category Five storm, made landfall near University of Florida, consists of the College of
Gulf Shores, Ala. on September 16 and caused Agricultural and Life Sciences, research and
damage in the Pensacola area. Commissioner Education Centers, Extension (including county
of Agriculture Charles Bronson called the Extension offices), academic departments and
combined devastation resulting from the storms IFAS International Programs. It is a Federal/State
“unprecedented” and mounted a campaign to partnership that functions as the research and
assure customers around the nation that Florida development arm of Florida agriculture. In 2008,
agriculture was “Coming Back Strong” and Florida Farm Bureau and its president, John L.
would have quality products available for winter Hoblick, were tapped to lead the industry in a
markets. While Florida Farm Bureau Insurance successful effort to defeat lawmakers’ attempts
company’s personnel worked to settle claims and to impose cuts in the IFAS budget that were
Farm Bureau volunteers assisted their neighbors, disproportional to cuts to other parts of the
the Federation worked with state and federal University of Florida.
agencies and elected officials to get relief for
producers. At a September 24 meeting in Bartow Renewed Focus on Education
that included Gov. Jeb Bush, Commissioner Florida Farm Bureau partnered with our
of Agriculture Charles Bronson and U.S. Rep. Commissioner of Agriculture and the Florida
Adam Putnam, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Department of Education, lending financial
Ann Veneman announced a major package of and organizational support to the Agri-science
federal disaster assistance would be available Education Leadership program that moves a
for Florida agricultural producers. In 2005, the select group of agriscience teachers through a
Insurance companies became the first in the course of Ag tours and leadership development
state to have settled all of its hurricane claims. activities encompassing the entire state. By the
end of the decade, Florida Farm Bureau was
Change at the Helm administering an annual State grant that helped
In the summer of 2006 after 23 years as president, fund travel and educational materials. Having
Carl B. Loop Jr., announced that he would not been instrumental in passing the legislation that
be seeking re-election to the post. Loop led established the agricultural auto license tag
the organization through some of the most (“Ag Tag”) in the 1990s; Florida Farm Bureau
tumultuous times and through immense change and its members continued to support the
19History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
efforts of Ag in the Classroom, Inc. which works
to incorporate agricultural topics into school
curricula. Florida Farm Bureau staff members
served on and chaired the Florida Ag in the
Classroom, Inc. Board of Directors. In 2009,
more than 1,300 volunteers read to 26,000
students during Ag Literacy Day in the schools
and hundreds of members, including members
of the State Women’s Leadership Committee,
attended the State Ag in the Classroom seminar.
In 2009, FFB was awarded a $300,000 grant by
Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI), formerly the Florida
Department of Labor, to establish the Employ
Florida Banner Center for Agriscience. The FFA members sitting in on a legislative
Center’s purpose was to evaluate and develop meeting in Tallahassee.
high school curriculum to meet the workforce
the knowledge and skills to succeed. Florida
needs of Florida’s agriculture industry by
Farm Bureau planned to develop certification
preparing students for the jobs that are available
and specialization designations based on the
in modern agriscience and conduct “Train the
work of the Banner Center. Today, Agricultural
Trainer” sessions on the usage of these materials
Education Services & Technology (AEST), houses
for each school district offering the programs.
eight certification programs and tests over 2,00
FFB housed and administered the Center,
students annually.
coordinating efforts of the Florida Department
of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the
Young Farmers & Ranchers Lead the Future
Department of Education, Florida FFA Association
Then-FFB President Walter Kautz helped begin an
and the University of Florida. The Center
initiative whose immediate goal was to establish
established curriculum committees comprised
a Young Farmer and Homemaker Department
of members of FFB’s 16 industry advisory
in 12 pilot countries across the state. The group
committees, teachers, University of Florida
met in Tallahassee on May 22, 1970 and elected
teacher educators, the Florida Department
Jimmy Ragans from Madison County as its first
of Agriculture and FFA staff, to review the
chairman. At the 1970 annual convention, a
curriculum frameworks for 2010-2011 and develop
bylaw amendment was passed that made the
curriculum, including electronic lesson plans.
Chairman of the Young Farmer and Homemaker
Industry certification was the ultimate goal.
Committee a full-fledged member of the FFB
Employers in the agriscience industry must have
Board of Directors. This program led to the hiring
confidence that entry-level employees have
of a program coordinator and the establishment
of the annual Young Farmers Conference. It
would later become known as the Young Farmers
and Ranchers Program. The Young Farmers
Program was designed with the main purpose
of involving both young men and women in
leadership training. The hope was that these
young people would graduate from the program
and assume Farm Bureau leadership roles. The
program has definitely been a success. Many of
our organization’s current leaders have come
up through the Young Farmers and Ranchers
Program.
Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Group
20History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
Youth Education Makes a Lasting Impact Florida Farm Bureau was at the forefront of the
Youth education has been a priority of Florida advent of the Internet: with an organization
Farm Bureau since the organization’s inception website in the mid-1990s. The Web site, www.
in 1941. The Young Farmers and Ranchers floridafarmbureau.org, has gone through three
Leadership Program was developed early on as redesigns and continues to evolve to meet the
the Young Farmers and Homemakers Committee changing needs of the membership. Technology
and focused on developing leadership skills in plays an important role in grassroots activism with
the young farmers of the organization. Farm the FBACT program. Members of FBACT receive
Bureau Women spearheaded many different legislative updates and “FBACT Alerts” via email.
projects related to youth throughout the years, In addition they periodically receive Agricultural
supported by both their county Farm Bureaus Policy Bulletins on important issues that will affect
and FFBF. Some of the most successful projects agriculture. Each “FBACT Alert” includes a link to
were adopted by the Women’s Leadership the website. By 2009, there were more than 3,000
Committee and most county women’s members on the database.
committees and are still successful today.
Some of these successful programs include the Activism on National Policy
Youth Speech Contest, Florida Agriculture in the In 2006, the national immigration debate was
Classroom projects and Farm-City Week events. reaching a fever pitch when Florida Farm
The Women’s Leadership Committee produced Bureau decided to launch a grassroots message
an outstanding 550 volunteers in 2016 to read campaign. Farm Bureau members need access
to elementary and middle school students for to a legal, guest workforce. The need for
Florida Ag Literacy Day. In 2013, FFBF partnered comprehensive immigration reform needed to
with Florida FFA to build the youth organization a be communicated by Farm Bureau members
new headquarters located on the Farm Bureau to other members, Congress and the general
campus in Gainesville. This partnership was public. The overall goal was to raise awareness
worth an estimated $1.5 million and gave FFA its among members of Congress of the issue of
own brand and identity. Today, FFBF continues comprehensive immigration reform. The “Empty
to support FFA and 4-H programs and events Bag Campaign” focused on having members
at both the state and county levels, including sign paper grocery bags that had already
a fundraising partnership through our Florida been affixed with large stickers bearing the
Agricultural Marketing Association (FAMA). FFBF message: “Border security and enforcement is
also continues strong support of the University of vital to our national security. A safe, affordable
Florida’s College of agricultural and Life Sciences and abundant food supply is too! Support
(CALS) and Warner University through annual comprehensive immigration reform providing
monetary donations. legal guest workers to harvest our crops or this
bag may remain empty! Don’t leave Floridians
Technology Use Changes and Expands holding the bag!” Nearly 4,000 of these bags
were signed by constituents and delivered to
members of Congress or congressional offices.
Other Campaigns Followed
In 2008, the National Affairs Coordinator didn’t
want Congress to forget that it had again failed
to act on reform measures. The “Don’t Tie Our
Hands” campaign was launched. This campaign
had Florida Farm Bureau members signing blue
slips of paper that had a piece of twine tied
to them. The initiative culminated during the
2008 Field to the Hill trip when over 75 members
Farmers are excellent spokespersons for their calling. marched on the Capitol with their hands
21History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
bound, symbolizing the results of not having resources and other life sciences industries. The
comprehensive immigration reform. CALS partnership program provides students
With the decade coming to a close, climate with development activities to aid in professional
change became a target for Congressional development with experience and mentorship
action. “Don’t CAP Our Future” was a grassroots opportunities. The FFBF supports more than 15
campaign involving Farm Bureau members from CALS events such as the CALS Career Expo,
across the nation. Solutions Seminar and TailGATOR as well as two
programs.
Florida Farm Bureau is encouraging all Farm
Bureau members in the state to join together in Women’s Programs Strengthens Communities
a unified request to federal lawmakers: Don’t Women have been an instrumental part of
Cap Our Future. The appeal was directed to county Farm Bureaus since day one, but it
members of Congress who were addressing wasn’t until 1945 that the Florida Farm Bureau
restrictive climate change legislation that could Federation’s Board of Directors established a
hurt agriculture, consumers and the national Social and Educational Committee, known as the
economy. Playing off the cap-and-trade climate Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC), at the
change bills in the House and Senate, Farm state level. Mrs. George W. Munroe, of Quincy,
Bureau is encouraging members to participate was voted chairwomen of the first Women’s
in the campaign by signing an unused farm cap, Committee, which was to be composed of
including a message sticker that reads, “Don’t Farm Bureau women throughout the state. The
CAP Our Future” and dropping off the farm cap county women’s units were to concentrate on
at one of the district offices of their U.S. Senators. matters affecting schools, health, home and
Florida Farm Bureau also collected signed caps community life; to seek cooperation with home
and presented them at Senate offices. demonstration agents; and to attend other
matters “which men appreciate but neglect.”
CALS Partnership Program Impact At the 6th Annual FFBF Convention in Miami, the
In 2014, FFBF partnered with the University of women were granted a seat on the FFB Board
Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural of Directors with full voting rights. Two years
Sciences and College of Agricultural and Life later, a second women’s seat on the board was
Sciences and became a master-level donor authorized. In 1974, the WLC started the Kidney
for the CALS Partnership Program. With private Fund, now called the Women’s Fund, to collect
organization’s support, CALS ensures that the and distribute funds to non-profit hospitals to care
students are ready for the workforce to make for kidney patients. Although the membership
a lasting impact in the agricultural, natural has changed over the years, the convictions of
Florida farmers, ranchers and small business owners united as the voice of agriculture during the annual Field
to the Hill advocacy trip in Washington, D.C.
22History of the Florida Farm Bureau 21st century
publication for Florida, had reached a circulation
of 100,000.The nineties introduced the worldwide
web and FFB launched its first website, promoting
its message to the general public. The website
offered timely information on legislative issues.
Advances in technology promoted the digital
age and social networking became a necessary
business tool. In 2009, FFB broadened its
communication with the creation of a Facebook
page. The page proved to be a popular channel
to keep the organization’s members engaged
and to educate a general audience on the
importance of agriculture. Today, as more and
Women’s Leadership Conference more consumers want to “know their food,” it is
even more critical to improve understanding of
Farm Bureau women have not. Today, Women’s
agriculture and provide consumers the correct
committees at the county level, as well as the
information about today’s farming techniques
state WLC, remain committed to education,
and practices. FFBF expanded its social media
health and other charitable endeavors. The
efforts to keep an open dialogue between
WLC has distributed more than $200,000 through
the farming and ranching community and
the Women’s Fund to charities such as Go Red
consumers.
for Women Campaign, Seamark Ranch, Russel
Home Playhouse, Ronald McDonald House
facilities and Ag Angels. Today, more than 400
women participate in the Women’s Program
statewide.
Communications Informs Consumers
Communications outreach has been an integral
part of Florida Farm Bureau since its creation. A
widespread campaign to gain voter approval for FAMA Offers Member Benefits and Good Foods
the organization’s position on the “Right to Work The Florida Agricultural Marketing Association
Amendment” prompted the first issue of FFBF’s (FAMA) has served Florida Farm Bureau well for
Bulletin on July 12, 1943. The initial issue provided more than 50 years. It has become the largest
the framework for future communication to member-to-member marketing exchange in the
grassroots members. The publication is now nation. Created in 1965 as a subsidiary unit to
known as FloridAgriculture. In 1962, a Division of support tobacco exports, FAMA has become a
Information was established to communicate major contributor to the organization’s member
the organization’s programs more effectively to benefits. The association’s staff gradually shifted
its members. A public relations media campaign to other farm commodities, especially citrus.
was launched to include print and radio In recent years strawberries have been added
advertising to familiarize Floridians with Farm as a major line of sales. Throughout its years of
Bureau’s services to help increase membership. service FAMA has built a loyal following with the
The organization continued to broaden its excellent quality of its products. The unit now
message to consumers in the 1970s with sells fruit, nuts and other foods to Farm Bureau
heightened coverage on radio and television members in Florida and in 27 other states. In
stations throughout the state. By the 1980s, FFBF addition, the program markets products from
broadcast two radio programs, “Accent on other states to Florida members. FAMA also
Agriculture” and “Florida’s Talking,” on 60 stations. operates a fundraising program for FFA chapters,
FloridAgriculutre, the exclusive agricultural 4-H clubs and other non-profit associations.
These groups receive vital financial support
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