Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 88, Farming Operations, preserving Florida’s agricultural heritage and modernizing Florida’s Right to Farm Act which regulates agriculture throughout the state of Florida.
The Governor was joined at the bill signing ceremony by Florida farmers, Senate President Wilton Simpson, and bill sponsors, Senator Jason Brodeur and Representative Jayer Williamson, highlighting the strong bipartisan support of SB 88.
Senate President Wilton Simpson (R-Trilby), a lifelong farmer said, “Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature stand with Florida farmers. The State of Florida is committed to preserving Florida’s farms, which are legacy businesses that contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. We frequently update our laws to recognize changes in other industries, and today we are coming together to make it clear that our hardworking Florida farmers will not be left behind.”
Middle (pictured left to right): Pahokee Mayor Keith Babb;
Stephen Singleton, Singleton and Sons; Matt Griffin, Former Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher and 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Award recipient; Michael K. Brown, Brown’s Produce Farms, LLC; Shedrick and Denise McGriff, McGriff Farms; Senator Kathleen Passidomo;
and Senator Darryl Rouson, Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
Back (pictured left to right): Senator Kelli Stargel; Representative Jayer Williamson, House bill sponsor; Senator Jason Brodeur, Senate bill sponsor; John L. Hoblick, President of Florida Farm Bureau; Senator Debbie Mayfield; Senate President and lifelong farmer Wilton Simpson; Senator Bobby Powell, Chair of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus
“It was a pleasure to partner with President Simpson on his passion project to protect Florida’s agriculture industry. With his leadership, Florida’s farming land remembered will never be forgotten. The Right to Farm law recognizes the importance of the agriculture industry to Florida’s economy and putting food on our tables. It gives farmers the protections they need to do their job without fear of nuisance lawsuits. I’ve often said that you occasionally need a doctor, you sometimes need a lawyer, but you’ll always need a farmer – three times a day,” said Speaker Chris Sprowls (R-Palm Harbor).
Matt Griffin, Recipient of the Young Farmers & Ranchers’ 2020 Excellence in Agriculture Award and a farm manager in Lake County, Florida said, “Agriculture is one of our state’s key pillars historically and economically. The industry is constantly facing old and new challenges alike and continues to try and stand tall to those presently faced. One such challenge as we know is that of the increasing threat of nuisance and costly lawsuits. These actions could unintentionally or not undermine the foundation of one of our state’s chief economic drivers. Senate Bill 88 being signed will help to ensure the longevity of Florida agriculture and Florida’s farmers, ranchers and agriculturalists to thrive. It also helps to ensure that young professionals like myself and others can be part of an industry that has a rich legacy, but also a bright and vibrant future. I applaud and thank Governor Ron DeSantis for his support and everyone that helped make this possible.”