Support local farmers
To the editor:
Agriculture is a vital sector in Lee County, significantly contributing to the substantial portion of Lee County’s workforce and has a multifaceted impact on the community, extending food security and the retention of the county’s rural identity.
This sector serves as a key driver of economic activity, boosting the economy and providing a crucial role in maintaining overall economic health of Lee County.
Beyond economic benefits, agriculture plays a crucial role in the county’s food security. Lee County’s contribution has a broader agricultural landscape, where the sector generates billions in cash receipts and supports various industries.
While not specific to Lee County, Florida’s top commodities include greenhouse and nursery products, oranges, and cattle, which showcases the diversity of agricultural output within the state.
The agribusiness report of Southwest Florida 2024 cites agriculture including Lee County contributes more than $1 billion in farm-gate sales to the economy.
(This is based on recent years and not specific to Lee County for the year 2024.)
It is difficult to look forward and plan with the costs of feed, fertilizer, equipment, the uncertainty for the future of tariffs, labor, climate changes and world commodity sales.
I urge all citizens of Lee county to support our local farmers.
Kathleen Callard, RNBS
North Fort Myers