Florida CFO Patronis Defends Livestock Industry Against Activist Banking Campaign
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has issued a stern warning to major U.S. banks, condemning a campaign led by over 100 activist organizations to restrict financial services to meat and dairy businesses.
Patronis labeled the effort “insane” and pledged decisive action to safeguard Florida’s agricultural sector.
Banks Urged to Halt Financing
The coalition, spearheaded by the group Friends of the Earth, called on banks to cease financing operations linked to meat, dairy, and animal feed, citing climate change concerns. However, Patronis argued these measures threaten food security and exacerbate rising grocery prices.
“This insanity puts Floridians in the crosshairs of yet another activist attempt to leverage the nation’s financial system to punish law-abiding citizens,” Patronis wrote in a letter to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. “No one has the right to take food off Floridians’ tables.”
Florida’s Firm Stance Against Discrimination
Patronis underscored Florida’s opposition to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies, referencing the state’s prior divestment of billions from BlackRock over similar issues.
He warned banks that any financial discrimination targeting agricultural businesses would face “swift and severe consequences” under Florida law.
“Florida’s agricultural industry feeds millions and supports thousands of jobs,” he said. “We won’t allow fringe ideologies to disrupt our economy or our way of life.”
A Vital Economic Contributor
With 1.62 million head of cattle and a thriving farming sector, Florida’s agricultural industry plays a crucial role in the state’s $1.6 trillion economy.
Patronis pledged to protect this cornerstone of Florida’s economy, promising to help financial institutions resist what he described as “radical demands.”
By taking a stand, Patronis reaffirmed Florida’s commitment to supporting its agricultural businesses and preserving the livelihoods of countless families.
Dive deeper into Florida’s stance on protecting the meat and dairy industry from activist campaigns—visit our homepage for insights.
