Publisher’s Letter

Bridging the gap between the classroom and the field is a mission that requires vision, and Dean Belkis Capeles is leading that charge with impressive momentum. As the Dean of Workforce Education, Academics, Computer Systems, and Business Analysis at Polk State College, Capeles oversees the innovative AgriPolk program—a fresh initiative that is already making waves […]

If you’re a regular reader of Central Florida Ag News, you know there’s no shortage of scientists fervently working to combat citrus greening. Phillip Rucks has dedicated many of his columns to the range of promising technologies in development, including Soilcea’s CarriCea rootstock and Silvec Biologics’ spinach-based peptide, currently in the works and awaiting EPA

Florida legislators gave the agriculture industry a decisive boost with the passing of the 2026 Florida Farm Bill (SB 290). The legislation, which passed with strong bipartisan support, reflects how central agriculture remains to Florida’s economy, environment, and rural communities. The sole hurdle remaining is for the governor to sign it into law. At its

If you’re a regular reader of Central Florida Ag News, you’ve heard me talk time and again about the resilience of Florida’s farmers — specifically our citrus growers. And now, as many Florida growers started the month fresh off a potentially catastrophic freeze event, we’re getting a firsthand glimpse of that same grit and adaptability

As we step into 2026, it is time to offer a long-overdue tribute to the backbone of the Sunshine State — our Florida farmers, ranchers, and their hardworking families. While most of the world celebrates the New Year with a pause, the rhythm of the farm never stops. To the families who rise before the

Central Florida Ag News has spent the past 15 years serving the ag community, sharing the stories that matter and keeping our readers informed. Along the way, we’ve forged invaluable partnerships with readers, advertisers, schools, the Polk County Farm Bureau leadership and members, and so many more. We like to think we have a good

For more than a decade, our November edition has been dedicated to exploring the many ways art intersects with agriculture. At first glance, it may seem like a light topic. But as we’ve learned over the years, there’s far more depth to it than meets the eye. At our core, we are champions of all

The folks at CRAFT repeatedly promised growers that this year’s cycle was going to be different — less red tape, less confusion, more streamlined processes. The goal was to remove the obstacles and minimize the hassle that could possibly deter growers interested in taking a chance. Judging by the response, I’d say the Foundation’s recruiting

Like the first taste of cooler temperatures after a relentlessly sizzling summer, there’s a new energy creeping into the Florida citrus industry. For more than a decade, Florida citrus has existed in survival mode, its identity shaped by HLB, hurricanes, development, and a sense of impending doom. But since Sen. Ben Albritton’s rallying push that

There’s been so much excitement about citrus industry funding getting the green light in the state budget and the CRAFT application period opening that there was another development that flew a bit under the radar. In late July, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins met with Florida ag leaders and announced that help was