The official account of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
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UPDATE: FDACS Identifies Potential Fuel Contamination at the Port of Tampa.
Fuel purchased after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, at the following stations has a strong likelihood of being contaminated.
Learn More: tinyurl.com/3mbhdcjh
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FDACS has identified a potentially widespread fuel contamination caused by human error at the Port of Tampa. Any fuel purchased after 10 am on Saturday August 26, at stations supplied by Citgo from the Port of Tampa has a strong likelihood of being contaminated with diesel fuel.
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Senator Danny Burgess, and Representative John Snyder announced proposed legislation to prohibit the collection of Floridians’ financial data from firearm and ammunition purchases. Read more: bit.ly/3QJb6IV
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the appointment of Rick “Lee” Adams Jr. as the new Director of FDACS’ Office of Agriculture Law Enforcement.
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Meet “Commissioner” Chewy, our newest detector dog!
FDACS’ Detector Dog Inspection Teams act as the first line of defense in preventing unregulated or contaminated products from entering Florida.
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Floridians, call 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) to report water-contaminated fuel issues to the department. FDACS inspectors will respond to impacted areas, as soon as it is safe to do so, to ensure retail fuel dispensers are working properly and testing the quality of fuel.
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson toured @CFedu's Vintage Farm Campus in Ocala, where learning goes beyond the classroom!
The campus offers the only hands-on, agriculture-related learning programs in the Florida College System.
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced William “Will” Egan as the @FLForestService’s 2024 Firefighter of the Year.
Join us in congratulating Forest Ranger Egan!🎉
Read more: tinyurl.com/y6kv26c5
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The Florida House pages & messengers paid us a visit this morning!
Commissioner Wilton Simpson had the privilege to meet and speak with them about Florida’s legislative process and the important role that agriculture plays in the lives of all Floridians.
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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of a 691-acre family farm in Levy County.
Read more here: tinyurl.com/2kn2rz72
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson highlighted the historic interest in the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the 2023 application cycle results.
In all, 181 new properties—representing >200,000 acres—submitted applications for funding.
tinyurl.com/y4ehre25
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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is commending the Florida Forest Service (@FLForestService) for their quick work of a wildfire that occurred March 28, 2024, on Garcon Point.
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Did you know: The department inspects thousands of gas stations in Florida to ensure that pumps are working safely and properly. ✅
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The @FLForestService is deploying resources and chainsaw crews to assist communities in Liberty County impacted by this afternoon’s tornado. Follow @FLSERT for updates.
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces the protection of 13,371 acres of Florida ranchlands through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
READ MORE: tinyurl.com/33ucuyas
📸: @CarltonWard
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Today, Wilton Simpson was sworn in as Florida’s 13th Commissioner of Agriculture. Read his full statement here: bit.ly/3jQJKUv
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Florida’s Agricultural Law Enforcement officers are a first line of defense to enforce state and federal laws. Yesterday, officers in Hamilton County conducted a traffic stop that led to the arrest of two criminal illegal aliens and the detention of five others by Border Patrol.
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The 2024 Florida State Fair is officially OPEN! 🎡
Commissioner Wilton Simpson started the morning at the “Flip The Switch” event alongside CFO Jimmy Patronis, @HCSOSheriff Chad Chronister, and local first responders and military heroes.
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This morning, Commissioner Wilton Simpson kicked off the 2023 Florida State Fair at the Flip The Switch event alongside Attorney General @AshleyMoodyFL, @HCSOSheriff Chad Chronister, and local first responders and military heroes.
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Congratulations to the 2023 Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees, Dr. John Woeste and Mr. Don Quincey. Leaders from across the agriculture community gathered tonight to recognize these two great men for their lasting contributions to Florida agriculture.
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Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provided an update on efforts to support Hurricane Idalia response and recover efforts. Learn more: tinyurl.com/4w2u8avw
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We’re cutting the red tape for Santa this year to ensure his delivery route across Florida is smoother than a perfectly peeled Florida orange! 🎅🏻 🎄
MORE INFO: tinyurl.com/ycb8k4jz
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson joined @FLForestService Interim Director Jonny Sabo and team today to assess the Steelfield Fire in Bay County. The fire is currently ~260 acres and 80% contained. Thank you to the many first responders who worked around the clock to contain the fire.
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Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson was honored to speak at the @FLSheriffs Winter Conference!
Simpson has long been a supporter of law enforcement, and as commissioner, he will continue to proudly support them and pursue the safety and security of our state.
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson and @FlaFarmBureau recognized seven farmers and ranchers this evening who have gone above and beyond to protect Florida’s natural resources. Congratulations to all the County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program honorees.
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson presented his 2023 Legislative Agenda to the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
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🔥Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the @FLForestService are highlighting the importance and benefits of prescribed fire during Florida’s Prescribed Fire Awareness Week, observed January 22-28, 2023.
Read more: bit.ly/3HqX636
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Hi, Comms Team for Commissioner Simpson here. Sometimes this happens, but your sources are completely false. We’ll be reaching out via email with a statement. 🙂
A Republican member of the Florida State House filed a bill that would allow taxpayer funds to house migrant workers.
But sources familiar with the details tell me this bill is being pushed by current @FDACS Commissioner @WiltonSimpson and Florida Senator @JayCollinsFL.
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Thank you Sheriff Ivey for your "boots on the ground" presence in the #Idalia impacted area. FDACS’ Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement stands ready to serve.
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson spoke with FFA students for “Ag on the Hill” day at the Florida Capitol this morning.
Always great to see these future leaders engaged in government and the legislative process!
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FDACS has opened up the consumer hotline to receive complaints from impacted consumers. If you believe you were sold contaminated gasoline, you can file a complaint by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA online at fdacs.gov.
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Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and FDACS are pleased to announce Dr. Saundra TenBroeck as the 2023 Woman of the Year in Agriculture! 🎉
Learn more: tinyurl.com/ympa87mc
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As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Commissioner Wilton Simpson and the @FLForestService are encouraging Floridians to use caution with fire and fireworks while celebrating. Learn more: tinyurl.com/5jxsjv8e
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The FDACS @FreshFromFL team and State Chef Justin Timineri hosted an appreciation lunch yesterday for >300 staff at the State Emergency Operations Center. These men and women have been working around the clock to support the people and communities impacted by Hurricane Idalia.
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the opening of an application cycle for landowners to apply to the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. Learn more: tinyurl.com/2nfpwjv3
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Yesterday, Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson broke ground on the new FDACS facility in Tallahassee alongside Senate President Ben Albritton, Senator Corey Simon, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey, and FDACS employees! 💚
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Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces the preservation of a 754-acre cattle operation in Hendry County through a rural land protection easement.
Read more: tinyurl.com/ymjsdshe
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Florida farmers, join the TEAM in 2024!
Florida Farm Tax Exempt Agricultural Materials (TEAM) Card applications opened January 1.
Learn more: FDACS.gov/FarmTeam
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson visited with our Forest Service and Plant Industry teams who are working to protect and defend our natural resources and agriculture industry. 🧑🚒🪲
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Florida leads the nation in hot car deaths this year.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson is looking to change that – one sticker at a time.
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of over 8,000 acres of Florida agricultural land through the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Read more: tinyurl.com/mpdw2jxn
📸: Wildpath
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Today is National Orange Juice Day, and the Florida House on Capitol Hill is spreading the sunshine in D.C. with Natalie’s — a proud Florida company 🍊 ☀️
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Today, @GovRonDeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the preservation of a historic number of agricultural operations through FDACS’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
READ MORE: tinyurl.com/2bhyha97
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson joined @FLForestService today in response to a 400-acre wildfire in Polk County. The fire is now 95% contained thanks to the diligent efforts by all who responded.
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Today, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provided an update on Hurricane Idalia response and recovery efforts. Learn more: fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-…
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REMINDER: Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/4uh3wb2e
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Congratulations to the Florida House and Representative @LaurenMeloFL on unanimously passing HJR 1157, which proposes an amendment to Florida's Constitution to preserve forever fishing, hunting and the taking of game as a public right. On to the Senate!
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“In the state of Florida, we give fidelity to our constitution. We didn’t get the nickname the Free State of Florida for nothing.” – Commissioner Wilton Simpson
ICYMI: Watch Commissioner Simpson discuss the Florida Arms and Ammo Act with @NEWSMAX 👇
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Just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced today the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan for impacted farmers.
Impacted producers can learn more here: tinyurl.com/5fz48yr4
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced $2.8 million is now available to landowners through the Florida’s Future Forests Program. Learn more: tinyurl.com/mryeyy2h
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🚨Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Sheriff Wayne Ivey announced a new statewide vehicular heatstroke prevention initiative.
READ MORE: tinyurl.com/wcmpphnf
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Protection of Over 2,000 Acres of Ranchland Through Rural and Family Lands Protection Program | tinyurl.com/mrjrycby
📷: Wildpath
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced a cost-share assistance program to support agricultural producers severely impacted by Hurricane Idalia. Learn more: tinyurl.com/22p22t4c
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson was pleased to meet with the Capital Tiger Bay Club today, where he shared how his background as a working farmer and businessman shapes his approach to addressing issues facing Florida and our agriculture industry.
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson joined the Florida Forest Service and local emergency responders for a multi-agency aviation exercise in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.
Read more: tinyurl.com/4ydbzfzd
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Florida Farm TEAM Card applications open January 1!
Farmers will soon have the option to present a Florida Farm TEAM Card to retailers for claiming sales tax exemptions on agricultural materials.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/ye23cnpu
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson invited wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and scalloping trips. Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans at no cost. bit.ly/42iuLnD
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Senator Jay Collins and Representative Kaylee Tuck announced a legislative proposal to prohibit local governments from levying special assessments on Florida agricultural lands. Learn more: bit.ly/40rdU0W
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Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Debby will be able to apply for low-interest and interest-free loans beginning next week.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/528w6xbh
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Today we remember and honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
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ICYMI: State officials next week could direct nearly $100 million to secure more than 35,500 acres of primarily ranchland for the growing statewide Wildlife Corridor while keeping agricultural operations on the properties in place. wcjb.com/2023/05/17/florida-…
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson recognized 20 land conservation families at Buck Island Ranch.
Read more: tinyurl.com/5fjt8hh9
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The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement has been conducting a months-long operation in North Florida that has led to the confiscation of 33 stolen semi-trailers and a vehicle — valued at more than $1.3 million. Learn more: bit.ly/42UGsRW
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson requested a USDA Disaster Declaration to support Florida farmers, ranchers and growers impacted by Hurricane Helene. We urge USDA Secretary Vilsack to quickly approve this request and to make all resources available to our agriculture community.
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🔥Today, Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Forest Service held a press conference in Hillsborough County to highlight Florida’s current wildfire conditions and urge residents to be wildfire ready. ✅
fdacs.gov/News-Events/Press-…
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Fresh From Florida Christmas trees have arrived at the Florida Capitol!🎄
Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson presented the Florida-grown trees and is asking Floridians to support FL growers, many of whom were impacted by recent hurricanes.
More: tinyurl.com/33vdj3rh
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Yesterday, colleagues and loved ones of fallen Florida Agricultural Law Enforcement Officer Corporal James McWhorter gathered for a memorial event on the one-year anniversary of his end of watch.
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Today, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service personnel gathered with the State Fire Marshal and others to honor Florida’s fallen firefighters during a Ringing of the Bell ceremony at the Firefighter Memorial at the Florida Capitol.
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced a proposed constitutional amendment to support Florida's farmers, ranchers, and growers by eliminating multiple taxation of agricultural production by annual local property taxes.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/3a7ftx2t
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Fresh From Florida is celebrating the more than 1 million consumers who follow Fresh From Florida on social media, signed up for the Fresh From Florida newsletter, or joined the Fresh From Florida Club!
Learn more: tinyurl.com/2erxyjey
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Hurricane Idalia impacted many rural farms. As we move from storm impact to recovery, there are state and federal programs to assist with clean-up.
Visit fdacs.gov/Idalia for helpful resources for farmers who are now beginning the long task of recovery.
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Today, Commissioner Simpson was pleased to speak at Florida Gulf Coast University’s Center for Agribusiness where he shared his priorities as commissioner and recent legislative accomplishments.
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces Opening of Application Cycle for Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Learn more: tinyurl.com/ywusjpp7
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Today, Commissioner Simpson announced the appointment of Rick Dolan as State Forester and Director of Florida Forest Service, a division of FDACS.
Read the announcement: bit.ly/3zC9f0s
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The Florida Arms and Ammo Act (SB 214), sponsored by Sen. @DannyBurgessFL, passed its final Senate committee today!
This bill will prohibit financial institutions from collecting and monitoring information on law-abiding Floridians’ firearm and ammunition purchases.
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Red Flag Warning for much of South Florida today. Wildfires can spread fast in these conditions — stay alert and take precautions:
🔥 Avoid outdoor burning
🚫Don’t discard cigarettes on the ground
🔧Secure trailer chains to prevent sparks
🚒Report smoke or fire immediately
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SB 1084 passed on the House floor today!
Thank you, Representative Danny Alvarez, for being a champion for Florida’s farmers and consumers!
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UPDATE 8/29/2023: FDACS has issued an update on the contaminated gas incident due to human error caused by Citgo.
READ MORE HERE: content.govdelivery.com/acco…
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced a historic donation to Operation Outdoor Freedom, a program dedicated to providing recreational and rehabilitative opportunities for wounded veterans throughout Florida.
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Today, we remember and honor fallen Florida Agricultural Law Enforcement Officer, Corporal James McWhorter, who died in the line of duty on February 12, 2022.
#NeverForget
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Honoring over 100 years of excellence! This week, Commissioner Wilton Simpson recognized Jeb and Wendy Smith and the Smith and Johns Family Farm in Hastings, Florida, as a Century Pioneer Family Farm.
Learn more about this special program here: tinyurl.com/svzn9xmk
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Another arrest! FDACS Agricultural Law Enforcement officers intercepted a cargo van that attempted to bypass an ag interdiction station near Yulee. Their quick action led to the detention of an illegal alien with a criminal record, who was transferred to Border Patrol agents.
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We are now accepting applications from Florida educators to participate in a collaborative aquaculture education training workshop July 26-28, 2023, to help Florida teachers bring aquaculture and aquaponics into their classrooms. Learn more: bit.ly/41uwkxR
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson announces seizure of over 1,700 illegal hemp, THC-O, mushroom products from South Florida business.
READ MORE: tinyurl.com/aw432n24
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Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the protection of a 1,800-acre cattle ranch and farm in Okeechobee County through the FDACS Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
Read More: tinyurl.com/2we3hfth
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson names Reba Y. Mazak as the 2025 Woman of the Year in Agriculture! 👏
A 5th-gen Florida rancher, Reba has dedicated her life to cattle ranching, advocacy, & mentoring the next generation. Congrats, Reba! 🎉
Read more: tinyurl.com/3y685b5c
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Join us today at 4:30 for the Taste of Florida Agriculture reception in the Capitol Courtyard!
Guests can sample locally grown Florida foods, meet farm families, and learn more about the benefits of agriculture for everyone in our state.
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Yesterday, FDACS’ Agricultural Law Enforcement officers seized nearly 30 pounds of cocaine in Escambia County. The cocaine was concealed in a wooden crate, originating from Texas and headed to South Florida.
Read more: tinyurl.com/mw3xafdb
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Wilton Simpson announces 5,000 pounds of ‘gas station heroin’ seized and destroyed
flvoicenews.com/wilton-simps…
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson attended the opening of a renewable natural gas facility at Alliance Dairies in Trenton, FL. This new facility will capture waste from ~6,500 cows and convert it into natural gas that will help serve the energy needs of ~4,400 homes per year.
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Commissioner Simpson announced Costa Farms as the 2024 winner of the Agricultural-Environmental Leadership Award!👏
Costa Farms is one of the largest commercial plant growers in the US, employing over 5,000 professional growers & support staff.
Read more: tinyurl.com/2m9dkfx9
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Due to Hurricane Milton, Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has approved an emergency order temporarily suspending Florida's intrastate movement requirements for pets, horses, and livestock leaving the state.
Learn more. tinyurl.com/5d2spyve
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson is inviting wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom fishing and hunting trips. Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans at no cost.
More: tinyurl.com/35f85h2w
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Commissioner Wilton Simpson issued the following statement after the Legislature passed and sent to Governor DeSantis Senate Bill 264, which protects our food supply by prohibiting China & other hostile foreign powers from purchasing ag lands and lands near critical facilities:
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Floridians, if you witness flooding at a gas station or suspect you have pumped contaminated fuel, report it to the department at complaints.fdacs.gov or by calling 1-800-HELP-FLA.
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The @FLForestService partnered with Children’s Dream Adventures to host a week-long wildland fire academy for transitional age foster youths. The academy provided hands-on training and certifications needed for entry-level wildland firefighter jobs.
thefloridachannel.org/videos…
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The cost-share program will be directed by FDACS’ Office of Agricultural Water Policy and oversee repairing and replacing damaged irrigation systems. The program also concurrently supports agricultural water efficiency and reduced nutrient application.
flvoicenews.com/simpson-affi…
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Today, Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced the first acquisition of a permanent rural land protection easement through the department’s sole authority. The easement protects the Curren Dairy property, a 237-acre agriculture operation.
flvoicenews.com/simpson-anno…
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Noting that food is a national security issue, Simpson offered a perspective shared by many in the room, “Everybody has to eat three times a day,” he said. “You cannot have a strong country without strong agriculture.”
#FFVA2023 kicked off with a keynote by Florida Commissioner of Ag @WiltonSimpson on the legislative achievements that have been made since he took office, aimed at protecting one of Florida’s largest economic drivers - agriculture. 🌽🍊🍉🫐🍓🍅🥦
Blog: ffva.com/page/headlessblog?s…
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