Wilton Simpson

Government should work smarter to stretch hard-earned tax payer dollars further and more efficiently. Our new facility is projected to save the department - and taxpayers - more than $70 million over the next 30 years.

🚨 Front Line OALE Inspection Officers Combat Organized Fraud, Protect Florida’s Resources 🚨🚚 Our officers at the Florida Agriculture Inspection Station in Pensacola displayed exceptional vigilance when they identified a blue semi-truck pulling a refrigerated trailer that matched the description in a BOLO linked to a sophisticated fuel theft operation spanning multiple counties. Acting swiftly, the officers selected the truck for a regulatory inspection and identified the driver as Alain De Jesus Aguila-Martinez using his Florida Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). During the inspection, an OALE K9 unit conducted a free-air sniff around Aguila-Martinez’s 2002 Freightliner semi-truck and alerted officers to the presence of narcotics. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a large magnet concealed under the driver’s steering wheel. The magnet was identified as a device commonly used to manipulate fuel pump solenoids, enabling the unauthorized theft of diesel fuel. Further investigation revealed that Aguila-Martinez had active arrest warrants for multiple felony charges, including Organized Fraud, Retail Fuel Theft Tampering, and Petit Theft. Aguila-Martinez was promptly taken into custody by OALE Agricultural Inspection Officers and transported to the Escambia County Jail. He now faces felony charges of Larceny – Tampering with/Removing a Retail Fuel Dispenser, which are part of an ongoing investigation into an organized fuel theft ring operating across Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Walton Counties.

This #FarmerFriday, "Fresh From Florida" is proud to spotlight Jeff and Ginger Pittman of J G Farms in Bascom, Florida. 🌾🐄🥜 Rooted in family land first purchased in the early 1900s, the Pittmans represent four generations of Florida farmers — with the fifth generation preparing to carry on the legacy. In celebration of National Peanut Month, we’re especially excited to highlight their dedication to growing high-quality peanuts, along with cotton, and beef cattle. 🥜🌱 Join us in celebrating the Pittman family for their commitment to Florida agriculture! 💚

Great to talk with so many community leaders last night who are shaping the future of our state. Thank you to Leadership Tampa Bay for hosting these important conversations.

Did you know we created the Farmers Feeding Florida initiative to get more fresh, Florida products into food banks to support those who need it most? Healthy options grown by Florida farmers are available in the vast network of food banks serving families in need.

🚨 Protecting Florida Businesses from Organized Fraud 🛡️ OALE investigators have charged four suspects in connection with an organized diesel fuel theft scheme in Santa Rosa County, Florida. Surveillance footage and reports revealed that the suspects used magnets to manipulate fuel pump solenoids by opening pump panels, allowing fuel to be dispensed without payment. Video evidence showed the suspects tampering with a fuel pump and filling multiple semi-truck tanks. Further investigation linked the suspects to the crimes through license plate records, prior citations, and business records. The suspects, identified as Elieser Perez, Sergio Machin, Sofiel Ferino, and Sediel Carrazana, orchestrated a coordinated scheme that resulted in significant financial losses and face multiple felony charges, including Organized Fraud, Retail Fuel Theft by Physically Tampering with a Fuel Dispenser, and Grand Theft.

Did you know Florida was the first state in the nation to ban fake meat? I’m proud to have have been on the forefront of this important fight to keep untested, synthetic fake meat products off of our plates.

Good to be with the Florida Cattlemen to support their Fun & Gun last night in Tampa. I was proud to present a flag to the family of Frank “Sonny” Wesley Williamson in honor of his contributions to our state and legacy in the industry.

Stopped by the Florida Strawberry Festival last night to congratulate these amazing Future Farmers on their big wins at the Steer & Swine shows!

This #FarmerFriday, "Fresh From Florida" features Derrick Jerome of Honey Badger Bee Farm in Brooksville, Florida. 🐝🍯 At Honey Badger Bee Farm, Derrick takes pride in the harvesting and processing of raw, Florida honey. From the creation of innovative products like Cowboy Honey Coffee, to on-site beginner beekeeping classes, Honey Badger Bee Farm makes Florida honey interesting, fun, and most importantly, delicious. Help us in recognizing Honey Badger Bee Farm for supporting Florida agriculture (and local pollinators).

Last night, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a USDA disaster declaration that supports Florida's agricultural producers impacted by historic freezes. I appreciate President Donald Trump and Secretary Rollins for always putting America's farmers first, and for quickly issuing this official disaster declaration. Beyond the desperately needed federal support and financing that this declaration will now make available, it is also an acknowledgement of the incredible hardship and loss that Florida's growers experienced from the historic freezes. This was one of the most damaging freeze events in Florida agriculture's history, with our preliminary estimates totaling over $3 billion in agricultural losses. Florida agriculture now needs equally historic support. A strong and vibrant domestic food supply is critical to our national security and sovereignty, and Florida’s farmers feed America, especially during the winter. I look forward to working with the USDA to connect our impacted producers with these newly released recovery resources, and any additional federal support that becomes available in the future.

Today, I was so proud to attend the grand opening of the newest Villages Walmart where we announced a new partnership between our Fresh From Florida program and Walmart. This partnership will put Florida farmers front and center for customers across this state. Through digital promotions and in-store displays, shoppers will be able to easily identify and choose products grown right here in Florida. That means more visibility for our farmers, more sales for our producers, and more fresh, high- quality, and affordable food for families.

I am proud to announce another win for Florida through our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program today. We are permanently protecting nearly 2,600 acres of productive timberland in Baker and Gilchrist Counties to ensure it stays in private hands and continues working for Florida families. These easements protect private property rights, keep government from owning and managing more land, and ensure Florida families can continue producing the food, fiber, wildlife habitat, and economic opportunity that fuel our state. Since its inception, the department’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved approximately 230,000 acres of working agricultural land, with approximately 165,000 acres preserved since I became Ag Commissioner.

The Florida Legislature passing the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is a major victory for Florida farmers and families. Thanks to the leadership and commitment of Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez, Senator Keith Truenow, Representative Danny Alvarez, and Representative Chad Johnson, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill supports the people who feed our state and our nation while also strengthening public safety and defending our rural lands and natural resources. Together, we’re strengthening the backbone of Florida’s economy and ensuring our state remains a place where freedom, family, and farmers can thrive.

This week, the Florida State Fair proudly announced its partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay, culminating in a $25,000 donation presented at the Feeding Tampa Bay Headquarters. As part of this year’s fair, a special promotion was held on Sunday, February 8, during which $1 from every ticket redeemed that day was donated directly to Feeding Tampa Bay. Thanks to strong community participation and support from fairgoers, the initiative helped generate significant funds to support hunger relief efforts across Tampa Bay.

Great to be in Plant City this morning - the Winter Strawberry Capitol of the World - to kick off the 2026 Strawberry Festival! It’s from these fields right here in Central Florida that generations of farmers and families have made this one of the sweetest cities in the Sunshine State.

Our Ag Law team has zero tolerance for violent criminals and serve as a force multiplier in the mission to keep Florida safe. I am proud of the work they do each and every day and am grateful for their service to our state.

This #FarmerFriday, we’re spotlighting Joe and Jimmy Planz of Providence Cattle Company in Withlacoochee, Florida. 🐄 🌾 Providence Cattle Company is committed to raising grass-fed beef that you can feel good about serving to your family. From pasture to plate, their operation reflects the hard work and passion behind Florida agriculture. Join us in celebrating the Planz family and Providence Cattle Company for keeping Florida growing strong. 💚

Since its inception, our Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved over 230,000 acres of working agricultural land, with over 165,000 acres since I took office. This week, we approved the preservation of more than 2,800 more acres, preventing future development of the land and allowing agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy. Both properties approved today - Square One Ranch and Buckhorn Ranch - are enrolled in FDACS Best Management Practices and are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.

Here in Florida, I have proudly stood with our students to ensure tuition grants, excused absences and no zoning restrictions for FFA member activities. As a result, FFA membership has gone from 30,000 just a few years ago to more than 65,000 today. Here’s to all our hard working members - and the folks at home and in school supporting them - this National FFA Week!