What They’re Saying: Reactions to Commissioner Nikki Fried’s Biden Administration Partnership Plan

Tallahassee, Fla. — Last week, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, an independently-elected member of the Florida Cabinet, released the FDACS Biden-Harris Administration Partnership Plan: Keeping Florida and America Growing. This 30-page plan outlined nearly forty policies and initiatives on which the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services can partner with the Biden White House and federal agencies.

The plan’s proposals would promote Florida’s farmers and American-grown crops, address climate change, improve water quality and conservation, modernize cannabis policy, advance renewable energy and energy efficiency, help children and families access nutrition and fight hunger, strengthen rural communities, protect consumers from fraud, expand voting rights, and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion across government and society.

Fried’s plan, which has been called “expansive” and “Florida’s first major coordination effort with the White House,” had been recognized at its launch by state leaders including State Senators Loranne Ausley (SD-3), Lori Berman (SD-31), and Perry Thurston (SD-33).

Here’s what additional notable members of Congress, state legislators, industry groups, and nonpartisan policy institutes are saying about Fried’s plan:

U.S. Representative Alcee Hastings (FL-20): “Florida’s perilous position on the frontlines of the global climate crisis requires its leaders to take pragmatic and meaningful steps to address the growing threats posed by natural disasters. Commissioner Fried’s comprehensive partnership proposal to the Biden-Harris Administration, the first of its kind, now places Florida in a frontline position to keep Florida and America growing. The state-federal partnership plan outlined by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) indeed presents a way forward for Florida’s growers and consumers by centering on climate, economic, and racial equity, including developing sustainable agriculture practices, eliminating food insecurity and food deserts, and creating a more inclusive and diverse community. I look forward to working with Commissioner Fried and the Biden Administration to attain state and national recovery and resiliency across all sectors.”

U.S. Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21): “I’m excited about Commissioner Fried’s comprehensive plan to work with the Biden Administration. This robust plan will support our farmers, Florida’s second largest industry; protect our clean water supply; ensure our children don’t go hungry; and fight climate change and sea level rise.”

U.S. Representative Val Demings (FL-10): “I am thankful for Commissioner Nikki Fried’s commitment to all Floridians and for her willingness to work with Congress and President Biden’s administration on issues critical to Florida. I look forward to continuing to partner with Commissioner Fried on fair trade for Florida’s farmers, banning offshore oil drilling, supporting critical food assistance programs, and other issues important to creating a prosperous and fair future for all of Florida families.”

U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy (FL-7): “I applaud Commissioner Fried for putting forward this bold plan that highlights the importance of state and federal partnerships to tackle the many challenges facing our communities and provide better opportunities for Florida families. I look forward to our continued partnership in these efforts, especially as we continue our fight for a fair playing field for our farmers in the face of unfair foreign trade practices.”

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (FL-13): “I applaud Commissioner Fried for taking initiative to cultivate a strong federal and state partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration that will help our state recover from this devasting pandemic and make our communities more resilient,” said Rep. Crist. “As governor, whether working to ban offshore drilling or help our state recover from the Great Recession, I knew firsthand that Florida is best served when Tallahassee and Washington D.C. are on the same page. And I’m proud to join Commissioner Fried in working at both the state and federal levels to advance these priorities in Congress. Solidifying and strengthening this partnership is the right thing to do for our state and Pinellas families.”

State Representative Evan Jenne, Florida House Minority Co-Leader: “This plan represents something that has been sorely missing from Florida for quite some time: a comprehensive and realistic set of policies to move our state forward into the 21st century. I commend Commissioner Fried for the vision and intellectual capacity to address the wide ranging issues affecting Floridians under her department’s purview. Whether it be protecting the environment, reforming cannabis laws, or ensuring the dietary needs of all children are met, this plan has something to improve the quality of life for all of us.”

Winnie Stachelberg, Executive Vice President for External Affairs, Center for American Progress: “The Center for American Progress applauds Commissioner Fried’s continued work on behalf of Florida’s farmers, consumers, and families. Her innovative federal partnership plan demonstrates the importance of state and federal coordination as we work to help families most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuild our economy, and reverse the devastating effects of climate change. We look forward to working with her as she builds a close working relationship with the White House and federal agencies.

John L. Hoblick, President, Florida Farm Bureau: “The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has been an ally to the Florida Farm Bureau and its members in resolving trade disputes, pursuing crop insurance reforms and advancing incentive-based conservation efforts. As a new administration takes the lead on the federal level, we look forward to working with FDACS and Commissioner Fried to pursue these shared goals for the benefit of Florida agriculture and its rural communities.”

Mike Joyner, President, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association: “Commissioner Fried has been a champion for Florida farmers seeking relief from decades of unfair trade practices from Mexico and other foreign sources. Florida growers have faced immense harm as a result of these trading practices. We deeply appreciate the Commissioner’s continued commitment and look forward to working with the new Administration on a trade remedy that is timely and effective. Florida growers of specialty crops need cost-effective, adequate crop insurance as they navigate difficult and ever-changing agricultural and economic conditions. We welcome all opportunities to partner with FDACS, grower associations and the new Administration to improve and expand crop insurance.”

Justin Strekal, Political Director, NORML: “Beyond doing an exceptional job of establishing Florida’s hemp program, Commissioner Nikki Fried understands the broader necessity for the full legalization of marijuana from economic, public and consumer safety, racial justice, and criminal justice perspective. We sincerely appreciate her outspoken leadership on this area and hope that other policy makers will be similarly inspired to take up the mantle of the growing chorus for comprehensive reform.”

The FDACS Biden-Harris Administration Partnership Plan can be viewed at FDACS.gov/FederalPlan.

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