Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson on June 2 highlighted the major agriculture victories included in the Florida Legislature’s 2026–27 state budget.
CITRUS INDUSTRY
Florida’s citrus industry received $196 million to support research, cost-share for equipment and infrastructure improvements at citrus nurseries and packinghouses, and the production and increased availability of healthy citrus rootstock.
“Florida’s citrus industry remains resilient because of continued investment in research, innovation and the growers who continue fighting for the future of this iconic industry,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The continued support of Gov. DeSantis, the Florida Legislature and Commissioner Wilton Simpson for citrus research will help advance solutions to challenges facing our growers and will strengthen the long-term future of Florida citrus.”
LAND PROTECTION
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program received $425 million to support its efforts to save Florida’s working farms and ranches — and the Florida Wildlife Corridor — from development. Since its inception, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved more than 234,000 acres of working agricultural land from development.
FARMERS FEEDING FLORIDA
Farmers Feeding Florida received $38 million to support the purchase, transport and distribution of Florida-grown food products for the benefit of food-insecure Florida residents. In its first year, the Farmers Feeding Florida program recovered and distributed more than 43 million pounds of fresh Florida food.
FLORIDA FFA
Florida Future Farmers of America (FFA) received $1 million in funding for scholarships to ensure that nearly 70,000 students enrolled in agricultural education in Florida will benefit from FFA programming that provides leadership, personal growth and workforce training opportunities.
FRESH FROM FLORIDA
The Fresh From Florida program received $19 million to connect consumers with Florida-grown products and champion Florida’s agriculture industry through consumer marketing campaigns and partnerships with 100-plus domestic and international retailers.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
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