Florida Farm Bill Signed Protects Farmers, Bans Fluoride

U.S. agriculture is facing significant uncertainty and economic challenges as the current 2018 Farm Bill falls short of addressing pandemic-era issues and market volatility, prompting calls from the National Farmers Union for Congress to pass a comprehensive new Farm Bill in 2025. Rob Larew emphasized the urgent need for policy certainty amid rising costs, stagnant markets, and trade uncertainties, warning that continued delays risk weakening the farm bill coalition in Congress. Meanwhile, Florida enacted its own farm bill, SB 700, which includes a ban on fluoride in drinking water, protections against ESG-driven lending discrimination, honest labeling requirements for plant-based foods, safeguards for agricultural education programs, and provisions to support farmworker housing and return solar fields to agriculture. On the tax front, the House Ways & Means Committee approved provisions within a $4.5 trillion budget reconciliation package that would enhance tax deductions for farmers and small businesses, including increasing the pass-through deduction and maintaining bonus depreciation for farm equipment. These legislative efforts reflect the ongoing struggle to provide stability and support for American farmers amid economic and political challenges.