Florida Farm Bureau

July 2025

Link to Post

On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the landmark “One Big Beautiful Bill”—a sweeping budget and tax package with major implications for agriculture. For Florida farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, the bill delivers meaningful wins across the board: long-term funding for the Farm Bill, pro-growth tax relief, and reforms to federal nutrition programs that bring much-needed accountability.

$66 Billion Investment in the Farm Bill

At the heart of the agriculture victory is a $66 billion infusion into Farm Bill programs over the next decade, the largest single-year increase in modern history. This funding shores up the critical safety net and reflects strong congressional recognition of the challenges facing American agriculture.

Key highlights include:

• $20 billion for Crop Insurance & Commodity Programs – This funding strengthens tools that help producers manage risk in the face of extreme weather and market instability. For Florida row crop growers, cotton producers and peanut farmers, this support is vital to maintaining solvency and production capacity during downturns or disaster years.
• $15 billion for Disaster Relief & Specialty Crop Support – Florida specialty crop producers—particularly those in citrus, fruits and vegetables—stand to benefit from a dedicated disaster assistance fund designed to respond faster and more flexibly after hurricanes, freezes, and disease outbreaks. Additional targeted aid for citrus greening and fresh produce infrastructure helps bolster one of Florida’s most economically important sectors.
• $10 billion for Conservation Programs – Programs like EQIP (Environmental Quality Incentives Program) and CSP (Conservation Stewardship Program) receive substantial boosts, rewarding producers who voluntarily adopt conservation practices that preserve water quality, improve soil health, and sustain wildlife habitat—critical in a state like Florida with sensitive natural resources and growing urban pressures.
• $8 billion for Agricultural Trade Promotion – Expanding access to global markets is essential for the future of Florida agriculture. This investment includes resources for Market Access Program (MAP) and Foreign Market Development (FMD) to help farmers grow demand for U.S. commodities abroad.
• $5 billion for Research, Extension & Rural Development – From IFAS research at the University of Florida to broadband expansion in rural counties, this funding equips farmers with cutting-edge tools and supports rural communities where agriculture drives the local economy.
• $8 billion in Nutrition Program Adjustments to Support Local Agriculture – A portion of SNAP funding is redirected to support purchases of fresh, local foods through programs like the GusNIP produce prescription initiative—offering new markets for Florida farmers while improving food access.

This funding commitment ensures Florida farmers have the tools to compete, recover, and grow—especially in a high-risk climate like ours. It reflects the advocacy efforts of grassroots Farm Bureau members and the recognition of agriculture’s national importance.

Tax Relief that Keeps Family Farms in the Family

The bill makes permanent key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including the 20% small business deduction (Section 199A), expanded expensing under Section 179, and enhanced estate tax exemptions—now set at $15 million for individuals and $30 million for joint filers.

These tax provisions are especially beneficial for Florida’s multi-generational farms. Making the estate tax exemption permanent protects family-owned operations from being forced to sell land or assets to pay federal taxes during succession. Likewise, full expensing for equipment purchases allows farmers to reinvest in their operations and improve efficiency.

Together, these tax changes provide certainty, simplicity, and flexibility—key ingredients for growing Florida agriculture.

SNAP Reforms That Prioritize Accountability
The bill also includes significant reforms to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), projected to reduce federal spending by over $100 billion over a decade. These savings come primarily through strengthened work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents and greater enforcement of eligibility rules.

While Florida farmers and Farm Bureau members understand the need to care for those in need, we’ve long advocated for a more targeted approach to nutrition spending that emphasizes accountability and work. These reforms help ensure that federal nutrition dollars are directed to truly vulnerable populations, while restoring public trust in safety net programs.

The One Big Beautiful Bill delivers a clear message: agriculture matters. With historic investment in farm programs, pro-growth tax relief, and thoughtful reforms to government spending, this legislation reinforces the economic backbone of rural America.