Congressman Joe Garcia Joins USDA For a Growth and Opportunity Summit in Homestead

Statement

This morning, Congressman Joe Garcia co-hosted, along with the US Department of Agriculture and several of its State and Federal partners, the Summit on Growth and Opportunity for Agricultural Leaders in South Florida.

"Agriculture has long been an integral part of our community and is one of our greatest economic drivers in South Dade - In large part, for our unique ability to see year-round productivity" said Garcia. "I am grateful for the hard work and risk the growers of my district take on each year. I put this summit together in order to find new and innovative ways to help them succeed."

Nicknamed the nation's "Winter Bread Basket," South Dade claims nearly 34,000 acres of vegetable row crop during winter months and is responsible for a large percentage of Florida's sweet potato, okra, squash, tomato, and eggplant yields. That's not to mention summer season fruits, which have put South Dade on the map as the number one producer of certain specialty crops -- including Mango, Florida Avocados, Jackfruit, Lychee, Mamey and others.

The event was held at Miami Dade College's Homestead Campus, where local growers and related industry representatives were in attendance. Many of the attendees operate small, family run businesses which -- unlike large commodity operations in the Midwest -- do not receive the depth of support and security form the federal government that is necessary for survival in a changing, global marketplace.

"South Florida has some of the most productive farmland in the nation," said Garcia. "Growing year-round, we produce a variety of crops that are vital for both our local community and national food security."

The summit was organized jointly by USDA and the Office of Congressman Joe Garcia to encourage growth, create opportunity, and increase participation through USDA programs and services -- including opportunities within the rural development, credit and loan, natural resources conservation, and civil rights divisions. Growers, agricultural association leaders, Miami-Dade County personnel, and farm worker advocates were able to receive information and technical assistance regarding programs and services available to them -- unearthing little known federal support systems that Garcia hopes, if properly utilized, will help rural communities in South Florida prosper.

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