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Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program

The Florida Farm Bureau Internship Program is available to students enrolled in post-secondary

education majoring in agriculture and related disciplines. We plan to offer a variety of internships

related to our eight departments. These internships have been created to provide students with

educational opportunities to gain experience from hands on involvement in day to day ag business

situations.

Executive Office/Legal Ag Policy/National Affairs

State Legislative Affairs Local Government Affairs

Public Relations Field Services

Federation Accounting Florida Ag Marketing

Students seeking practical experience in a dynamic professional office environment should apply to

the Program. Most internships will be six weeks in length and based on 20 hours worked per week.

Please check the description of each track carefully and make sure you can commit the time

necessary during the stated period of the internship. One applicant, for each internship offered, will

be selected through an application and interview process with Farm Bureau’s division managers

and Intern Program Coordinator.

Qualifications: All applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary institution. Preference will be

given to students majoring in agriculture and related disciplines. Applicants must hold a basic

knowledge of business operations, possess good communication skills and have an interest in

citizens’ lobbying initiatives.

Compensation: Individuals selected to participate in the Program will be employed through a

Temp Service and will receive payment of $10 per hour worked. Work schedules may be flexible

but assume each intern should work 20 hours per week for six weeks.

Evaluation: Managers will provide a written assessment of each interns work performance during

their assignment at Florida Farm Bureau. The Director or staff of each department will supervise

interns while they are working at Florida Farm Bureau.

To Apply: (Link to application)

Applications for Florida Farm Bureau Internship program must include the following items:

1. A resume and cover letter. Cover letter must indicate preferred tracks by priority.

2. A current official college or university transcript.

3. Two letters of recommendation.

4. Applications deadlines: (vary by track see track description)

FLORIDA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION

THE VOICE OF AGRICULTURE

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Executive Office/Legal

EO Track 1: Executive Office/Legal

Description and Timeframe: August – September

The Executive Office and General Counsel in Florida Farm Bureau Federation consist of our Senior

Management, which is responsible for day-to-day operations, budget management, management of

employees and the overall mission and direction of the organization.

We are seeking a qualified intern to assist Senior Management and the General Counsel with day-to-

day organizational issues, as well as participate in discussions about agricultural policy issues and

employee relationships.

Responsibilities

Work with and interact with volunteer leaders

Attend management meetings

Work with management to implement organizational policy

Assist with planning and program development

Participate in organizational campaigns and efforts

Assist with Industry relations

Work with University of Florida

Assist with member and staff communications

Observe and learn organizational management

Gain understanding of corporate structure

Requirements

The Executive Office and General Counsel are looking for a post-secondary student with a positive

attitude and background in agriculture and communications to fill this position. This intern must

be organized and demonstrate excellent verbal and written communications skills, with desire to

gain knowledge of business management. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter

with excellent time management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while participating in day-to-day organizational issues, and discussions about

agricultural policy issues and employee relationships.

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Agricultural Policy/National Affairs

Executive Office/Legal

AP Track 1: Policy Development / Advisory Committee Internship Description and Timeframe: August – September

The Purpose of the Advisory Committees is to advise the Florida Farm Bureau’s voting delegates on

issues that affect agriculture. The advice from these committees is crucial to the development of

sound policy that will guide this organization.

We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Ag Policy Division Staff on planning and conducting

the Summer Commodity Advisory Committees. These are our Grass Roots members who have been

chosen to serve on one of sixteen committees listed below:

Apiculture, Aquaculture, Beef, Citrus, Dairy, Environmental Horticulture, Equine, Forestry,

Vegetable, Labor, Peanut/Cotton, Sugar, Tax, Water Natural Resources, Trade and Oversight

Responsibilities

Assist with planning and agenda development for meetings

Become familiar with current FFBF policies

Understanding of current issues that different commodities are facing

Develop White Papers (One page paper that describes issue) on current issues

Correspond with Local, State and Federal agencies on key issues

Assist with putting together packet material for committees

Take meeting minutes

Requirements

The Ag Policy Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in

agriculture and communications to fill this position. The intern must be organized and proficient in

written and verbal communication. This position requires a basic knowledge of Parliamentary

Procedure, a passion for public policy, and the ability to research issues and present those findings

to our committees. Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Power Point is a plus. The candidate should be

a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while working at the grassroots level on policy development. These policies will be

voted on by elected voting delegates and possibly accepted as resolutions on local, state, and federal

issues.

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AP Track 2: CARES, County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship

Description and Timeframe: September – October

The County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program was founded in

2001 by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation and a coalition of farmers, commodity groups,

agricultural associations and state and federal agencies to provide public recognition for farmers

and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) on their

operations.

BMP implementation provides producers with a presumption of compliance with state water

quality standards for the pollutants addressed by the BMPs, while the program demonstrates to the

consumer that Florida’s farm families are actively involved in protecting our environment.

The CARES program is looking for a qualified intern to assist with various aspects of the planning

and recognition process during our County Farm Bureau annual meeting schedule.

Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact with CARES recipients

Serve as a point of contact with individual county Administrative Assistants

Assist recipients with profile questionnaire completion

Complete profiles for web

Assist with sign and certificate orders

Assist with updating social media and web site

Provide news releases to local media outlets

Travel and assist with presentation preparations at meetings

Requirements

The CARES program is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in agriculture and

communications to fill this position. This intern must be organized and demonstrate excellent

verbal and written communication skills, with adequate knowledge of web and social media. The

candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while promoting environmentally sound farming practices and educating the public

on agriculture’s role in protecting Florida’s natural resources.

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AP Track 3: National Affairs

Description and Timeframe: January – May

Florida Farm Bureau advocates on behalf of farm families on the local, state and national levels.

Advocacy is a powerful and necessary tool for the implementation of Farm Bureau policy.

Each year, county Farm Bureau members across Florida travel to Washington D.C. to meet with

lawmakers, expressing their viewpoints on a variety of federal policy issues. The National Affairs

Division is responsible for organizing Florida Farm Bureau’s annual Field to the Hill trip, a

grassroots fly-in of approximately 100 farmers to Washington D.C. in early April.

The National Affairs Division is looking for a qualified intern to assist with the planning and

organization of the 2016 Field to the Hill trip.

Responsibilities

Schedule appointments with U.S. Senators & Representatives, secure space

Schedule appointments with agencies (USDA/EPA/DOL)

Arrange luncheon on or near the Hill for U.S. Senators & Representatives and staff to attend

Plan and promote reception/event for U.S. Senators & Representatives, staff, and Farm

Bureau members

Coordinate dinner arrangements at multiple venues

Serve as primary point of contact for Farm Bureau member attendees

Process conference registration and organize hotel reservations for all attendees

Develop materials to promote participation

Prepare members prior to the trip (directions, topic briefs)

Prepare and format materials for Congressional offices stating our policy positions

Evaluate the conference by members and take ownership of the Conference Agenda

Develop extra-curricular activities for attendees and design necessary materials

Create folder of all work for personal portfolio and next year’s intern

Requirements

The National Affairs Division is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in

agriculture and communications to fill this position. Strong preference will be given to students

who have completed AEC 3209: Instructional and Event Planning. This intern must possess strong

communication skills, have a passion for public policy, and present themselves professionally at all

times. A self-starter that is organized and detail oriented with excellent time-management skills

and respectful of deadlines is a must.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while developing valuable contacts on both Capitol Hill as well as with Farm Bureau

leadership throughout the state and across a diverse cross-section of agribusiness.

Public Relations

Executive

PR Track 1: Public Relations

Description and Timeframe: January – March

The Public Relations Department in Florida Farm Bureau Federation oversees the preparation of

news and feature articles for both print and electronic media, photography of events and

agriculture in the field, and the creation of daily content for Federation’s social media outlets.

The PR Department is looking for a qualified intern to assist with content for FloridAgriculture

Magazine, electronic publications issued by Florida Farm Bureau, pertinent social media and web

site information, and small video production projects.

Responsibilities

Preparation of news and feature articles for print and electronic media

Basic photography of people and events

Assist with social media planning

Assist with small video production projects

Perform routine office duties Produce news releases

Requirements

The PR Department is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in communication to

fill this position. Experience in agriculture is preferred. This intern must be organized and

demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, with adequate knowledge of web

and social media. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time

management skills. Experience with Microsoft Office is required, and any experience with Adobe

InDesign is a bonus.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while gaining valuable experience communicating the benefits of the state’s second

largest economic contributor to our members and the general public.

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State Legislative Affairs

Executive

SLA Track 1: State Legislative Affairs

Description and Timeframe: TBD

Each year Florida Farm Bureau advocates for the benefit of members across the state in Florida’s

capitol. Florida Farm Bureau helps to drive agriculture’s legislative agenda and truly serves as the

Voice of Florida Agriculture in Tallahassee. During the 60 Day legislative Session and the

committee weeks leading up to it, FFBF’s legislative office is busy developing and advocating for the

agriculture agenda for that year.

Interns will get an inside view of what the legislative process really involves by performing tasks

that help the state legislative office run. They will feel the thrill of passing statewide policy,

experience the boredom of seemingly endless committee meetings, understand the frustrations of

situations out of their control and work with some of the most influential people in Florida politics.

Responsibilities

Attend committee hearings, take notes and report back to director

Attend Ag Coalition meetings

Perform legislative research

Track Bills

Develop Grassroots involvement strategies

Develop briefing materials

Provide basic support for Farm Bureau Day briefing dinner and Taste of Florida Agriculture

Reception

Shadow members of the state legislative team and experience real life meetings

Requirements

The State Legislative Affairs Division is looking for a post-secondary student with a background in

agriculture and communications to fill this position. This intern must possess strong

communication skills, have a passion for public policy, and present themselves professionally at all

times.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while developing valuable contacts in our state capitol as well as with Farm Bureau

leadership throughout the state and across a diverse cross-section of agribusiness.

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Local Government Affairs

Executive

LGA Track 1: Local Regulatory Issues

Description and Timeframe: May – July

The Purpose of the Local Government Affairs Division is to surface and address regulatory issues

that affect farmers. The subject matter of the issues is broad spectrum and includes water,

environmental resources as well as zoning, classification and taxation of farm land.

We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Local Governmental Affairs Division Staff on specific

issue background research and development of strategies and goals to implement on behalf of

agriculturalists.

Responsibilities

Develop a working understanding of state and local statute and code.

Become familiar with current FFBF policies.

Develop an understanding of the issue and how it impacts the agriculturalist.

Correspond with agriculturalists and regulatory agencies. This may include facilitating

discussion between parties that have differing viewpoints.

Cooperate with division staff and create a plan of action to address the issue.

Develop a synopsis that will target a plan towards a solution.

Assist in educational outreach to promote resolution to all parties.

Requirements

The Local Government Affairs Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student preferably

with background in agriculture and communications to fill this position. The intern must be well-

organized and proficient in written and verbal communications. This position requires a basic

knowledge of Parliamentary Procedure, a passion for public policy, and the ability to research

issues and present findings. Familiarity with Word, Excel, and Power Point is a plus. The candidate

should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with our state’s largest agricultural

organization, while working at the grassroots level to maintain and strengthen the rights of

property owners. Successful internship will open opportunities to applicant with numerous public

and private contacts.

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Field Services

Executive

FS Track 1: Event Planning and Management

Description and Timeframe: August – November

The Field Services Division is responsible for organizational membership, agricultural educational

programming, and leadership development.

The intern will assist staff in the program areas of event planning and management. The intern will

also work with staff on the development of training tracks offered at various Farm Bureau events.

This internship is well suited for individuals who are interested in program and event development

and management in the agriculture industry.

Responsibilities

Create Request for Proposals for meeting and event venues

Site visit and selection

Development of meeting and event agendas as well as conference creatives

Onsite meeting and conference coordination

Assure meetings are completed within budget constrictions

Work with meeting and event venues on final details and BEO process

Requirements

The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in

agriculture, leadership and event planning to fill this position. The intern must be organized and

proficient in written and verbal communication. Familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and

InDesign is a plus. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time

management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural

organization, while working to plan and finalize large events for the organization’s membership.

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FS Track 2: Organization

Description and Timeframe: January - March

The Field Services Division is responsible for organizational membership, agricultural educational

programming, and leadership development.

The intern will assist staff in the program areas of Membership, Young Farmers & Ranchers, and

Women’s Leadership. The intern will also work with staff on grassroots efforts, leadership

development, and youth education projects. This internship is well suited for individuals who are

interested in program development in the agriculture industry.

Responsibilities

Assist with development and presentation of leadership curriculum

Schedule meetings and assist with travel arrangements

Develop new communication resources for Farm Bureau programs

Meeting and conference coordination

Correspond with County Farm Bureau units on membership recruitment and retention

Assist with creating new marketing strategies for membership and member benefits

Requirements

The Field Services Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in

agriculture, leadership and communications to fill this position. The intern must be organized and

proficient in written and verbal communication. Familiarity with Word, Excel, PowerPoint and

InDesign is a plus. The candidate should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time

management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural

organization, while working to market membership and develop leadership curriculum.

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Florida Agricultural Marketing Association

FAMA track 1: Florida Agricultural Marketing Association

Description and Timeframe: November – December

The Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Division markets fresh “Florida’s Best” ® citrus, peanuts and

other commodities produced by Florida Farm Bureau members to other Farm Bureau members

throughout the country.

The Florida Agricultural Marketing Association is looking for a qualified intern to assist in the

coordination, promotion, sale and distribution of agricultural food products.

Responsibilities

Utilize on-line inventory program to analyze inventory needs for upcoming sales

Assist with temporary employees

Make sales contacts with individual counties

Develop relationships with customers for future delivery/sales decisions

Analyze delivery and product availability schedules, verify quality issues and coordinate

deliveries

Requirements

The Florida Farm Bureau Marketing Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student to fill

this position. Applicant must be knowledgeable in Quick Books and Microsoft Excel. The candidate

should be a detail-oriented, self-starter with excellent time management skills. Applicants must be

able to work at our Leesburg office a minimum of 20 hours per week during regular business hours.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural

organization, while gaining practical experience by utilizing knowledge obtained from the

classroom as well as developing new skills in marketing, logistics and business management.

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Federation Accounting

Executive

FA Track 1: Federation Accounting

Description and Timeline: January – March

The function of the Accounting Department is to provide support to county offices in the form of

training on QuickBooks and tax planning, as well as provide guidance in operational accounting

procedures. The Accounting Department also provides support to state management and staff in

the form of financial reporting, budgeting and other fiscal matters.

We are seeking a qualified intern to assist the Accounting Division staff in their efforts to record

revenues and expenses and allocate costs for a departmentalized general ledger.

Responsibilities

Prepare various types of tax returns inclusive of corporate, tangible, payroll and sales tax

Learn federal and state campaign finance laws

File reports with various tax authorities

Discuss financial planning and corporate structure with Finance Director

Compile financial information for project reporting

Compile comparative financial statements for consolidated companies

Learn to departmentalize revenues and expenditures

Learn various cost allocation methods

Become familiar with the daily operations of an accounting office

Requirements

The Accounting Division is looking for a qualified post-secondary student with a background in

basic bookkeeping procedures to fill this position. The intern must be organized and proficient in

written and verbal communication. This position requires special attention to detail as well as a

commitment to research and self-audit. The creation and utilization of spreadsheet oriented work

papers and the use of double-entry accounting are the basic elements needed to become a

successful intern. Familiarity with Intuit QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel software are a plus.

Following an adequate training period, we need a self-starter with time management skills.

Benefits

This internship will provide an opportunity to be involved with the state’s largest agricultural

organization, while gaining real-life experience & knowledge in basic accounting functions, record

keeping & the daily operations of a support-driven accounting office. A qualified intern will work

side-by-side with management & staff on a variety of projects relating to corporate finance. Contact

with members, vendors & other accounting professionals will contribute to the learning experience.