Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson spoke at Horse Farms Forever’s fourth annual Spring Speaker Series held on May 20 at Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Club. More than 125 guests attended the event to create more awareness about the importance of Florida’s agricultural industry to the state’s economy and the nation’s food supply.

Commissioner Simpson spoke about the recent signing of the 2025 Florida Farm Bill and the significance of the legislation. The Farm Bill helps to protect the future of the state’s agricultural industry, which generates an $182.6 billion impact on the state’s economy and supports more than 2.5 million jobs.

“Food security is a matter of national security and by protecting and preserving lands that have an immense amount of economic impact to food and agricultural production in our state, we are securing the livelihood of Florida,” Simpson said. “As Commissioner of Agriculture and a lifelong farmer, I will do everything within my power to support, promote, and defend Florida agriculture.”

He also spoke about the importance of protecting farms and ranches through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that has successfully preserved nearly 200,000 acres of land with more than 130,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.

In 2021, Commissioner Simpson championed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and was instrumental in securing a historic level of funding to protect land for endangered species like the Florida Panther and, at the same time, protect farms and ranches within the Corridor.

Return to the June 4 issue of Wire to Wire