Putnam receives support from fifteen county Farm Bureaus

BARTOW – Fifteen of Florida’s county Farm Bureaus have offered their official endorsement of Congressman Adam Putnam for Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture in 2010. Dade, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough, Jackson, Madison, Manatee, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk and Western Palm Beach Counties all joined together in supporting the candidate they believe will best represent Florida agriculture, Congressman Adam Putnam.

“Adam Putnam is the clear choice for Florida’s next Commissioner of Agriculture,” said Dale McClellan, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President. “His experience and dedication to the farmers, ranchers and consumers of this state are unmatched.”

“Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, the state’s largest agricultural county, is proud to endorse Congressman Putnam, a true agriculturalist, for Commissioner of Agriculture,” said Cary Braswell, Palm Beach County Farm Bureau President. “He understands the need for quality agriculture production, the importance of ensuring food safety, private property rights and stewardship of the land.”

Adam has previously received endorsements from the Florida Nursery Growers & Landscape Association, Southeast Milk Producers, Indian River Citrus League and Florida Citrus Mutual.

“While I know that Florida Farm Bureau does not endorse candidates, the early support of these county Farm Bureau organizations mean a great deal to me and my campaign. I look forward to earning the support of other counties, as well,” said Congressman Putnam. “Our campaign is continuing to gain momentum and with the agriculture community by my side we will continue to run a new kind of campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I am committed to bringing new energy and modernization to this department and renewed emphasis on transparency and ethics.”

As the state’s largest agriculture organization, Florida Farm Bureau represents more than 138,000 members, farms and ranches. For more than 68 years, Farm Bureau has been a leading voice in promoting the food, fiber and natural resources of Florida, which contributes more than $7.8 billion to our state economy. The Florida Farm Bureau organization has a policy that it does not endorse candidates; however, many of its county organizations are willing to do so.

Adam Putnam is a Polk County citrus grower and cattleman who has represented the Twelfth Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives since January 2001. He also served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 1996 to 2000. Adam resides in his hometown of Bartow with his wife Melissa and their four children.