TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted the major victories included in the Florida Legislature’s 2026-2027 state budget that support farmers, prioritize land conservation, strengthen our domestic food supply chain, invest in agricultural education, and more.
“This year’s budget reflects a historic commitment by Senate President Albritton, House Speaker Perez, and the entire Florida Legislature to support Florida’s farmers — the people who quietly and humbly feed our communities, fuel our economy, and protect our natural resources. Florida farmers faced a difficult year marked by devastating freezes, wildfires, and other serious challenges. In response, the Florida Legislature delivered a budget that makes 2026 The Year of the Farmer,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature understand that supporting agriculture means supporting our food supply, our economy, our environment, and our way of life. I’m grateful for the continued partnership and unwavering support of FDACS’ mission to serve Florida families, farmers, ranchers, and consumers.”
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program received $425 million to support its unprecedented 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 over 234,000 acres of working agricultural land from development, with over 168,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.
The Florida Forest Service received $132 million to support wildfire suppression, mitigation, prevention, and detection efforts; land management activities, including habitat restoration, reforestation, and state forest recreation improvements; and the maintenance and purchase of critical firefighting equipment.
“Thanks to Commissioner Simpson’s strong support for the Florida Forest Service and our wildland firefighters, these investments come at a critical time for Florida,” said Rick Dolan, Director of the Florida Forest Service. “As the state continues to experience an unprecedented wildfire season fueled by severe drought conditions, this funding will help us replace aging equipment, strengthen mitigation efforts, and enhance our wildfire response capabilities. We are grateful to the Florida Legislature for recognizing the importance of these needs and making wildfire preparedness and response a priority.”
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.
“The continued support from Governor DeSantis, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senate President Ben Albritton, and the Legislature for Farmers Feeding Florida strengthens the connection between Florida farmers and the families our food banks serve,” said Robin Safley, Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Florida. “At its core, this is about improving nutrition for families across our state. This funding helps ensure more fresh, Florida-grown food is not only available, but accessible—and that families know how to use it in ways that support their health every day. It’s a straightforward approach: connect local agriculture to local communities in a way that supports both healthier families and a stronger agricultural economy.”
Florida’s citrus industry received $193.4 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 CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The continued support of Governor 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.”
FDACS’ Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory received over $42 million to expand its capabilities to detect and investigate animal diseases that affect human and animal health. The Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory is the only veterinary diagnostic laboratory in the state of Florida accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. The legislature also funded a loan repayment program to reimburse up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and equine and who commit to working in Florida.
“This year’s budget expands the Bronson Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and supports the Food Animal Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, both of which are critical to building long-term capacity in our veterinary workforce and diagnostic system,” said Dr. Michael Short, State Veterinarian and Director of the Division of Animal Industry. “From routine surveillance to unusual cases like the recent Sloth World investigation, these resources ensure Florida has the expertise and tools needed to respond quickly and effectively when animal health issues arise. Commissioner Simpson’s leadership continues to strengthen Florida’s ability to protect animal agriculture and respond quickly to emerging threats.”
FDACS received $4 million to support oyster restoration efforts and allow the deployment of Oyster Rag Pots (ORPs) on 18 acres of vacant submerged lands to improve water quality and enhance shoreline protection.
“Commissioner Simpson’s continued support for Florida’s aquaculture industry is helping to grow a critical link in our domestic food supply chain and advance meaningful restoration and conservation efforts along our coast,” said Portia Sapp, Director of the Division of Aquaculture. “This funding will support oyster restoration projects that improve water quality, strengthen shoreline resilience, and enhance the long-term health of Florida’s estuaries. These investments are a win for Florida’s environment, working waterfronts, and the communities that depend on them.”
Florida Future Farmers of America 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.
“We want to thank Governor DeSantis and the Florida Legislature for their continued support, which provides long-term stability for Florida FFA and has helped drive record participation and student success in agricultural education,” said Ronnie Simmons, Executive Director of the Florida FFA Association. “Commissioner Simpson has been a true and consistent champion for agricultural education and Florida FFA for many years, and his leadership has helped expand opportunities for students across the state.”
The Florida State Fair received $9.5 million in funding to complete critical infrastructure upgrades and expand the Florida Center exhibit building.
“The Florida State Fairgrounds is a foundational piece of our state’s cultural and economic fabric, serving as a year-round platform that celebrates Florida’s rich agricultural heritage, supports our youth, and brings communities together,” said Cheryl Flood, Executive Director of the Florida State Fair Authority. “We are incredibly grateful to Governor DeSantis, the Florida Legislature, and Commissioner Simpson for their continued support and vital investment in our facilities. This funding strengthens and expands our capacity to educate the public on the importance of Florida agriculture and serves as a dynamic gathering place for families across the Sunshine State every single day of the year.”
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+ domestic and international retailers.
In addition to historic support for farmers and Florida’s domestic food supply chain in the legislature’s state budget, President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins have provided significant support and federal funding to Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and growers — especially those impacted by natural disasters. In February, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced that $600 million in federal funding was now available to Florida agricultural producers impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024.
The Florida Legislature also passed, and Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill. Sponsored by Senator Keith Truenow and Representatives Danny Alvarez and Chad “Cracker” Johnson, the 2026 Florida Farm bill contained a broad range of initiatives to protect and strengthen Florida agriculture, including:
- Defended the freedom of Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and residents to use the farm and lawn care equipment of their choosing by prohibiting counties and municipalities from banning the use of gasoline or diesel-powered farm and landscape equipment.
- Protected the natural character of Florida’s small, rural communities by prohibiting, unless unanimously approved by the local government, high-density development on lands designated as rural, conservation, or greenspace in a local comprehensive plan.
- Made permanent the Farmers Feeding Florida program, which directs fresh, Florida agricultural products into food banks to provide additional healthy food options for those in need.
- Promoted more agricultural land to grow Florida’s domestic food supply by creating a process for the state to determine if there are lands purchased since 2024 that can be surplused and put back into agricultural production.
- Protected Florida’s natural resources by prohibiting the application of biosolids other than Class AA, which have been treated for the highest level of pathogen removal.
- Supported Florida’s veterinarians, strengthened our state’s agricultural workforce, and bolstered our food security by establishing a loan repayment program to reimburse up to $25,000 per year for veterinarians who treat food animals and equine and who commit to working in Florida.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
Provided by FDACS