News Release

(GAINESVILLE, Fla.) – Florida Farm Bureau Federation set a new record when the 2003 membership year ended September 30, 2003 with 151,645 new and renewing members. The unprecedented success of the year is attributed to a growing awareness of the importance of the agricultural industry to Florida.

"Agriculture is the backbone of the state, and during recent times, when tourism dropped significantly, it was agriculture that sustained our economy, said Carl Loop Jr., president of Florida Farm Bureau. "Our organization works to insure this state remains strong."

Membership in Farm Bureau is open to both city and rural residents of Florida. Individuals do not need to be farmers or have a Farm Bureau insurance policy in order to be members. Farm Bureau works to encourage the growth of the agricultural industry in this state, to protect our working agricultural landscapes and to help to preserve our environment. Toward that cause, Farm Bureau was a champion in the legislative arena during 2003 and played a vital role in the passage of many bills. The passage of Senate Bill 1660, the Ag Lands and Practices Act, was a key success in the legislative session this year. This bill prevents counties from duplicating state, federal or water management district regulations, best management practices and interim measures relating to agriculture.

One reason Florida Farm Bureau remains strong is because it has built strong alliances. These partnerships have resulted in programs such as the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program, which rewards agriculturalists for their dedication to protecting Florida's water quality by promoting environmentally sound and economically viable agricultural practices. This would not have been possible without the support of other associations and governmental and academic institutions. Florida Farm Bureau has teamed up with the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association, the Cattlemen's Association, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association, the water management districts and many others to insure that this vital industry remains strong in the state of Florida.

Florida Farm Bureau is a leader in promoting agriculture at the local, state and national levels. Florida Farm Bureau Federation and the Florida Department of Agriculture have formed a working partnership to develop a statewide, multimedia agricultural awareness program, "Safe, Affordable and Abundant . . . Food for Thought from Florida's Farmers," targeted to urban, non-farm audiences. Surveys show the campaign is "moving the needle" and people are recognizing our message.

Belonging to Farm Bureau provides many benefits, including theme park discounts to Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Busch Gardens and Six Flags Over Georgia. If you're in the market for a truck, Dodge offers a $500 rebate for Farm Bureau members.

The organization also offers benefits unique to Farm Bureau. Member trips to Washington, D.C. during the legislative session bring legislators and members face-to-face to discuss issues of importance to the agricultural community. Through the Florida Agricultural Marketing Association (FAMA), Farm Bureau members can purchase from their county Farm Bureaus Florida's Best™ products as well as products from other states. Of course, Farm Bureau Insurance offers life, home and auto insurance. Farm Bureau Bank offers many services, including a Farm Bureau Bank Visa credit card with a low rate. Farm Bureau Bank's business line of credit offers businesses easy access to working capital. These are just some of the many benefits offered by Farm Bureau. More information is available on the organization's Web site, http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.

Farming was America's first industry. Today, it provides us with many of the necessities of life, such as food and clothing, as well as fuel for our energy needs. Nationally, agriculture employs more than 24 million workers, including farmers and ranchers, shippers, processors, marketers, retailers, truck drivers, inspectors and others who annually contribute more than $1.3 trillion to our nation's gross domestic product. Florida Farm Bureau is honored to support our nation's hardest working families.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation is the state's largest general-interest agricultural association. There are Farm Bureaus in 64 counties in Florida, where agriculture comprises a stable, vital leg of the economy, rivaling the tourism industry in economic importance. Headquartered in Gainesville, the Federation is an independent, non-profit agricultural organization and is not associated with any arm of the government. More information is available on the organization's Web site, http://FloridaFarmBureau.org.