Below you'll find a list of all posts that have been categorized as “Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS)”
During a recent press conference, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson commented on the state’s current wildfire conditions and what can be expected in the coming months. Commissioner Simpson said, “Florida is already nearing our annual wildfire totals, and we are only entering the peak of wildfire season. With drought conditions affecting the entire state, the wildfire threat across Florida …
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is accepting entries for Florida Future Chef 2026. According to the department, the Florida Future Chef is, a statewide student cooking competition that challenges young Floridians to creatively reimagine school meals using Florida-grown ingredients, while learning about the nutrition standards that guide the National School Lunch Program.” Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced Ernie Barnett as this year’s recipient of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership award. Presented annually since 1994, this award highlights “environmentally innovative growers and ranchers who share a commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s resources while continuing to produce the world-class agricultural goods we rely on.” Commissioner Simpson said, “Ernie Barnett has spent more …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson issued an emergency rule late last week that put temporary restrictions on the importation of animals from five counties in South Texas. The movement restrictions are being put in place now that the latest detections of New World Screwworm are within 125 miles of the border. These restrictions require all animals imported into Florida …
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural producers can now apply for hurricane disaster relief for 2023 and 2024. The Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program will provide over $600 million in grant funding in which the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services says can, “assist with infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus loss, and timber damage …
Florida Producers Eligible for Hurricane Disaster Relief Funds Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced that agricultural producers across the state who were impacted by hurricanes in 2023 and 2024 may now apply for hurricane disaster relief funds. The funding will be distributed through the Florida Block Grant Disaster Program to assist eligible producers with losses tied to infrastructure …
Florida Agriculture Officials Address USDA New World Screwworm Detection The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has issued a statement in response to a USDA report involving a New World Screwworm detection at a USDA import facility in south Florida. State officials emphasized that there is no detection of New World Screwworm in any Florida animals and that existing …
Florida Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Santa Claus’ Christmas Eve Arrival Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced a festive and symbolic move to protect holiday traditions across the Sunshine State. The state of Florida has issued Emergency Order 2025-CHRISTMAS, officially clearing the way for Santa Claus to deliver presents without permits, approvals, paperwork, or government authorization. The emergency …
Florida Opens 2026 Application Cycle for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Commissioner Wilton Simpson has announced that the 2026 application cycle for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP) will open soon. In a recent post on X, Commissioner Simpson highlighted the program’s continued success, stating, “The incredibly successful rural …
Applications Open for $25 Million Florida Agricultural Regional Projects Program Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has announced the opening of the application process for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Agricultural Regional Projects Program. This initiative provides $25 million in grant funding to support regional, collaborative agricultural water resource projects that improve both water quality and …
