Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

10/08/2026

10/02/2026

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Thursday the permanent protection of hundreds of acres of land in Polk County through a state program.

https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/polk-county-farm-permanently-reserved-from-development-through-3m-easement/

10/01/2026

Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced another Florida farm that will be permanently protected through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

25 years into the program, more than 251,000 acres are now protected across Florida, with nearly 186,000 of those acres protected since Commissioner Simpson took office in 2023.

PRESS RELEASE: https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2026-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Announces-Permanent-Protection-of-Polk-County-Farm-Through-Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program

09/29/2026

Another 4,500+ acres of Florida agricultural land have been added to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

The Governor and Cabinet approved the projects today, bringing the program to more than 251,000 acres protected statewide, including nearly 186,000 acres since Commissioner Wilton Simpson took office.

READ MORE: https://www.fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-Releases/2026-Press-Releases/Commissioner-Wilton-Simpson-Announces-Protection-of-Over-4-500-Acres-of-Agricultural-Land-Through-Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program

09/21/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced Logan Whisenhunt as the winner of the sixth annual Florida Future Chef student cooking competition. Logan won first place with his dish, Cast Iron Panhandle Chicken with First Coast Corn Crostinis and Sunshine Matcha Mangos.

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/4tu4ture

09/18/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the permanent protection of over 1,000 acres of working Florida agricultural land across three Florida farms through the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

Rural lands protection easements prevent future development and allow agricultural operations to continue contributing to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to Florida's prosperity.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/2fsrhn39

09/14/2026

Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Foundation announced Jeffrey Dewey Gargiulo, Lynetta and Ken Griner, and Ron St. John as 2027 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees.

Read more: https://tinyurl.com/nvzp4u4f

09/01/2026

Beginning today, non-industrial, private forest landowners can apply for the 2026 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program. The program works to minimize southern pine beetle damage in Florida by helping forest landowners conduct management practices that make their pine stands less susceptible to this destructive pest.

Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2hbwzf7y

08/28/2026

Florida ranches aren’t just about cattle. They’re about keeping historically undeveloped tracts of land free of development, protecting wetlands, caring for wildlife, and connecting the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Ranchers work every day to protect soil and water resources and preserve the landscapes that make Florida home. When you choose Florida beef, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal. You’re standing with the people who safeguard our heritage and natural beauty. Next time you’re shopping for dinner, support local and buy Florida beef.