Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson unveiled sweeping proposals under the 2025 Florida Farm Bill on Tuesday, taking a bold stand against environmental, social, and governance (ESG) lending practices that threaten the state’s agricultural industry. The bill, sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representative Kaylee Tuck, aims to shield Florida’s farmers and ranchers from discriminatory lending practices by financial institutions that use ESG scoring to restrict access to capital.
“ESG lending discrimination is an existential threat to American agriculture,” Commissioner Simpson declared. “If left unchecked, these woke financial institutions will strongarm America’s farmers and ranchers — through the threat of withholding capital and financing — into adopting ‘green’ infrastructure, technology, and equipment. We will not allow woke institutions to intentionally cripple American agriculture and threaten our food security and national security.”
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The proposed legislation would prohibit financial institutions from using ESG criteria to deny services or capital to agricultural producers. Instead, traditional lending metrics such as credit scores and debt-to-income ratios would remain the primary factors in determining eligibility for loans.
The bill has garnered strong bipartisan support from Florida lawmakers, who argue that ESG policies unfairly target the agricultural sector.
“Florida’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our economy and our way of life,” said Senator Truenow. “Thanks to Commissioner Wilton Simpson’s leadership, we are standing strong against woke financial institutions that want to force their radical agenda on our agricultural industry. This bill ensures that Florida’s farmers will not be bullied or cut off from the capital they need to keep feeding America.”
Representative Tuck echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural producers from external pressures. “We refuse to let global elites and radical environmentalists dictate how Florida agriculture operates,” she said.
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The Florida Farm Bill is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to support the state’s agricultural industry while addressing emerging challenges. Key provisions include:
- Protecting Farmers from ESG Discrimination: Prohibiting financial institutions from denying loans or services based on ESG criteria, ensuring farmers have access to the capital they need.
- Preserving Agricultural Lands: Returning decision-making authority for solar farm installations on agricultural land to local governments and incentivizing dual-use solar and agricultural operations.
- Tax Relief for Farmers: Offering Floridians the opportunity to vote on a total exemption of tangible personal property taxes for agricultural properties.
- Emergency Preparedness: Establishing a grant program to equip fuel stations along evacuation routes with generator power switches, ensuring a reliable fuel supply during emergencies.
- Consumer Protections: Prohibiting the mislabeling of plant-based products as “milk” or “meat” and requiring businesses to clearly mark prices on all items.
- Supporting Future Generations: Protecting 4-H and FFA programs from local zoning laws, ensuring agricultural education remains accessible in schools.
Commissioner Simpson’s bill also addresses issues beyond ESG discrimination, reflecting a commitment to strengthening Florida’s agricultural industry and safeguarding its future.
“Agriculture is a cornerstone of our state,” said Senator Danny Burgess. “Under Commissioner Simpson’s leadership, we are fighting back against financial institutions that want to use ESG policies to strangle our farmers. This bill protects our food supply, our economy, and our national security.”
Representative Danny Alvarez praised the bill as a testament to Florida’s unwavering support for its farmers. “In Florida, we stand with our farmers, not with woke corporations,” he said.
As the 2025 Florida Farm Bill moves through the legislative process, it is expected to spark vigorous debate. Supporters argue that the bill is essential to protecting Florida’s agricultural industry from external pressures, while critics may question the broader implications of restricting ESG practices.
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