On Wednesday, Gwen Graham, candidate in Florida’s 2nd Congressional District, carried on her father’s workday legacy with her second workday on the Alford Family Farm in Jackson County.
Eugene and Liz Alford own the Alford Family Farm, and run it with help from their son Tim. This season they’re growing peanuts and cotton. Gwen’s job for the day was helping to pull weeds from the peanut plants – a critical task when the crop is young.
It wasn’t your typical day on the campaign trail. After Graham’s full shift of work, she left the farm with her clothes covered in dirt, her face sunburnt and her hands blistered.
“I learned firsthand just how hard North Florida farmers work,” Graham said. “They sweat in the fields to put food on our tables.
Voters in the Second Congressional District believe supporting agriculture shouldn’t be a political issue – but just last week, extremists in the House of Representatives killed a bipartisan farm bill. Many in Washington and Florida, including Republicans, have blamed Congressman Steve Southerland for the bill’s death.
“The farm bill’s defeat wasn’t bad for Democrats or Republicans – Congress’s failure to pass the bill is bad for the farmers and families in North Florida,” Graham said.
