Rep. Laurel Lee Introduces First Bill to Honor Plant City’s Strawberry Festival and Industry
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) introduced her first bill since taking office, Expressing support for the 88th Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida, its cultural significance to the State of Florida, and the contributions of Plant City’s strawberry industry to American agriculture. The annual Florida Strawberry Festival began in 1930 to celebrate the bountiful strawberry harvest and is currently showcasing the best strawberries, shortcakes, and rides.
“Plant City’s strawberry industry is a critical part of our local community’s economy and history. With over 10,000 acres of strawberries planted every year, we produce the best winter strawberries in the world,” said Rep. Laurel Lee. “The annual Florida Strawberry Festival is the heartbeat of our community, celebrating the annual harvest and the men and women who work tirelessly to provide the best strawberries in the nation. I am proud to introduce my first bill to honor the festival and our strawberry industry’s contributions to American agriculture.”
Plant City is the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, producing 75% of the nation’s midwinter crop. The Florida Strawberry Festival began in 1930 as a thank you to our farmers and producers, and today attracts more than half a million people to join the celebration and enjoy some of the sweetest strawberries around.
“Since the 1800s, Plant City has been growing strawberries, which quickly became the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. Our strawberries and annual festival are an integral part of our community and economy. We are so happy the Congresswoman was able to attend this year's 88th Florida Strawberry Festival. She met with first responders, FFA kids, and spent some time with the Florida Strawberry Growers Association showing real concern for the problems associated with their industry. Our farmers work so very hard each year and the fact that they have grown to over a billion-dollar industry is a tribute to the passion they show working 7 days a week to bring us the best strawberries in the Nation.” said Florida Strawberry Festival President, Paul Davis.
“The members of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) are grateful for Congresswoman Lee's recognition and support of the Florida strawberry industry and the Florida Strawberry Festival. The positive impact the Florida strawberry industry has on the economy, environment, and culture in Hillsborough County, as well as throughout the state of Florida, cannot be understated,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. “Strawberries account for an economic impact of over one billion dollars to Eastern Hillsborough County alone. Many strawberry growers also grow spring vegetables, melons, and produce beef cattle. FSGA thanks Congresswoman Lee for her acknowledgment of not only the Florida strawberry industry but also all of the agricultural commodities produced in Hillsborough County.”
Rep. Lee introduced this legislation alongside Florida Delegation members, Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL-12), Rep. Castor (D-FL-14), and Rep. Franklin (R-FL-18).
Read the full text of the bill here.
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