Florida Farm Bureau Federation was conceived and nurtured by a group of dedicated people in agriculture who recognized a need for a general farm organization which could serve as a collective voice for its members. Out of the Great Depression came the need to help economically struggling farmers and ranchers. The development of the rock plow in the 1930s allowed the plowing of rock to create more top soil on large pieces of land giving rise to the large scale, tropical fruit industry.

On March 13, 1942, the Dade County Farm Bureau became the first county Farm Bureau established in Florida. Local farmers met at the Perrine School, and officers were elected. J.D. DuPuis, a local dairyman, served as the first President.

Miami-Dade’s location makes it ideal for the production of tropical fruits, exotic plants and winter vegetables. The agricultural history of Dade has been one of relocation caused by a sprawling population; it has also been one of growth fueled by the demands of this same increasing population. Agriculture is one of the top five industries in Miami-Dade County, providing an economic impact of over $2.57 billion to the local and state economy.

For over 60 years, the Dade County Farm Bureau has been an integral part of the agricultural community, bringing farmers together to solve issues collectively.

Today, the Dade County Farm Bureau has over 800 grower members, making it the largest agricultural organization in Miami-Dade County.

Katie Edwards is the Executive Director of the Dade County Farm Bureau.   In additional to managing the 4,000+ member Dade County Farm Bureau, she maintains governmental, media and industry relations.

Katie joined the Farm Bureau staff as Director of Communications in July 2003 and was promoted to Executive Director in January 2004. She has a bachelors in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Clemson University. She is the founder and past president of Florida Agri-Women, and she was the first woman  from Florida to serve as an officer of American Agri-Women. Katie was honored as the 2005 Agriculturist of the Year by the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce.   She was the first woman and youngest person to be inducted into the Farm Bureau's prestigious Hall of Honor in 2008.  

Katie is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor degree at Florida International University's College of Law.