By Clint Thompson
Dustin Grooms is not just a fourth-generation specialty crop farmer in Plant City, Florida, he is an army veteran and proud American who recognizes the dangers this country is in if it does not prioritize providing more support to producers across the country.
Grooms was one of the many speakers during Monday’s Farm Bill listening session. He provided insight into the challenges that farmers are encountering, which includes soaring labor costs and sky-high input prices.
“It’s important that we do not forget our past, but most importantly, what we do today to have a future. That’s the importance of this meeting we’re having here today, to have a future in agriculture and act with a sense of urgency,” said Grooms, who produces strawberries, blackberries, squash, peas and okra.
“I came back to the farm to serve my country to provide safe and nutritious fruits and vegetables to America. In my eyes, food security and national security are one and the same.”
Labor was Grooms’ main point of concern. The recent changes to the Adverse Effect Wage Rate forced an additional half-million dollars in expenses to his farming operation this year, Grooms estimates. He stressed the need for further research into mechanization, which would decrease the need for labor.
“We need an investment in the research and development of mechanization and automation for specialty crop growers. These tools will help us become competitive domestically and globally. Secondly, we need a reimbursement-based cost share program that’s affordable to farmers and in a timely manner. These ideas will help offset some of the costs and help us move towards a future we can build on,” Grooms said. “Without automation and mechanization in the specialty crop industry, we stand the ability to lose to plant, harvest and transport our crops across the country. More farms may go fallow.
“While the challenges facing us may seem insurmountable at times, I look forward to continuing to serve my country by providing safe and nutritious fruits and vegetables to put on your dinner plate.”