Soon after his election to the office of Florida Farm Bureau president in late 1942, John D. Clark urged farm families to join the newly formed organization despite the immediate crisis of a world war.
“Agriculture needs an audible voice, an organization that can take its place when it comes to writing the peace,” Clark declared.
He added that farmers and ranchers “must get together, stay together and fight together” on behalf of their livelihoods. Because Florida Farm Bureau offered a united, responsible voice, it was “entitled to the full support of agriculture in general.”
Farm Bureau groups had already formed in more than 17 counties, and many others were being organized. This early initiative launched a grassroots movement that has remained a vibrant, positive force for more than 80 years.
Florida Farm Bureau has been a steadfast proponent of policy objectives to limit government power, protect private property rights, formulate incentive-based regulations and promote fair trade.
Farm families like yours have stood together in pursuing these and other fundamental policies. Your participation in local, state and federal government, including establishing partnerships with urban citizens, is a hallmark of Farm Bureau’s grassroots approach to public issues.
Your commitment as citizens in a range of Farm Bureau advocacy initiatives has been the vital power behind our ability to secure any major policy objective. You, our members, are the key to our collective achievements as a member service organization.
Your achievement as food and fiber producers identifies you as exceptional Floridians. Your hard work and dedication create our basic quality of life. Florida Farm Bureau’s celebration of you in our 80th year has saluted the fact that you are Rooted in Resilience. You successfully produce food for all of us every day, regardless of the daunting challenges that must be overcome.
Your commitments as parents, contributors to your communities, and volunteer servants in civic and charitable activities qualify you for special praise. Like previous generations of farm families, you give your time, labor, talent and money to help improve the quality of life in our state.
For example, Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers have donated more than 30 million pounds of fresh fruits, vegetables and other nutritious foods to food-insecure families. Florida Farm Bureau Women have given more than $230,000 to a variety of charitable groups and causes. County Farm Bureau volunteers support a long list of worthy charitable projects.
The true resilience of you, our Farm Bureau members, lies in the outstanding positive character you show in all dimensions of your lives. It is especially apparent in that your grassroots activism is just as strong now as it was in 1942.
You express the “audible voice” our founding organizational leaders considered essential for the sustainability of farm families as well as Florida food production. You are the authentic Voice of Florida Agriculture.
See more: President’s Letter: Preserving Our Nation’s Founding Principles for Future Generations
