Marco Rubio Talks Farm Issues

Former House Speaker Marco Rubio, the Republican nominee in Novembers U.S. Senate election, tackled agriculture issues on Friday, maintaining that Washington was a roadblock to profitable farming.

Floridas farms are an invaluable part of our state and national economies, said Rubio. As the nations largest industry, it is necessary that farmers be protected from an overreaching government and unfair taxes that stymie growth and profitability. We must do everything we can to allow these farms to create jobs, protect their crops and increase market size by opening up trade. As the countrys leading citrus provider, Florida stands to gain the most from these necessary practices.

Rubio called for groups to stand up to Washington and praised Florida for pushing back against the EPA on water issues. He also called for free trade, specifically backing agreements with Columbia, South Korea and Panama that would promote agriculture. He also argued that capital gains taxes and the death tax hurt farmers.Rubio closed by calling for matching grants for agricultural research and more cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Customs and Border Protection to eliminate foreign posts that damage crops.