Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the protection of 13,371 acres of Florida ranchlands through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. With approval by the Governor and Cabinet, approximately 13,371 acres of working agricultural lands will be preserved through cost-effective agricultural conservation easements totaling $36,754,000. Agricultural conservation easements prevent future development of the land …
UF CALS Hosts 2023 Florida Youth Institute
By Maegan Beatty Every summer, the University of Florida College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) partners with the World Food Prize Foundation to develop a youth education program called the Florida Youth Institute (FYI). Students from across Florida, as well as other states, write a research paper about a developing country of their choice and one specific issue or …
FDACS Seeking Feedback on Farm to School Program
Attention Florida fruit and vegetable farmers! The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hopes to get your feedback regarding the Farm to School Initiative. As part of an effort to further develop the existing Farm to School Initiative, FDACS is conducting a survey to better understand how farmers and schools are currently working together and identify opportunities for more effective …
FDACS Seeks Input from Producers on Farm to School Program
Attention Florida fruit and vegetable farmers! The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hopes to get your input regarding the Farm to School Initiative. As part of an effort to further develop the existing Farm to School Initiative, FDACS is conducting a survey to better understand how farmers and schools are currently working together and identify opportunities for …
Applications Now Open for Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
The Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The program, which partners with farmers and ranchers through conservation easements, aims to safeguard working agricultural operations that contribute significantly to Florida’s economy and the production of food and fiber. Landowners can now submit …
Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award Nominations Open
Nominations for the Woman of the Year in Agriculture Award, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in conjunction with the Florida State Fair Authority, are now being accepted. All nominations must be submitted by Aug. 1. The award annually recognizes the achievements of women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture. “The Woman of …
Promoting Florida Grape Products
By Maegan Beatty Throughout the U.S., there are over 28,000 farms growing grapes on over 1.1 million acres. The top grape growing states are California, Washington, New York and Oregon. While Florida is not included on this list, the grape industry is rising in popularity due to the agritourism opportunities. Some of these opportunities include grape vineyards and wineries. In …
Maintaining a Healthy Citrus Nursery Segment
By Peter Chaires The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) supports Florida’s citrus nursery segment in myriad ways, not the least of which is a thorough and proven nursery inspection program. The FDACS Commercial Citrus Nursery Inspection Program is responsible for ensuring that all Florida commercial citrus nursery stock is inspected, produced appropriately, maintained free from disease and …
Farm to School Program: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Hosts Conference
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) hosted its annual Florida Farm to School Conference from March 9-10 in Central Florida to connect with schools, distributors, and producers across the state to increase Florida products served in schools. Participants learned about best practices for school gardening and procurement processes, networked with other Farm to School …
Wilton Simpson Ready to Take Ag Commissioner Reins
By Frank Giles Wilton Simpson won his bid to become Florida’s next commissioner of agriculture and leader of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in November. The fifth-generation Floridian from Trilby, Florida, is an egg farmer and brings a legislative background to his new job. We asked Simpson about his background and the priorities he will bring …