Wilton Simpson

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and those whose wounds — both seen and unseen — eventually led to their passing. We honor them today, and every day. As Abraham Lincoln reminded us, it is our duty “to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” And as we mark America’s 250th year of independence, days like this remind us of the price that was paid for the freedoms we hold dear.

As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, Florida State Parks will offer free admission on Memorial Day weekend, May 23-25, inviting visitors to enjoy the outdoors while honoring those who gave their lives in service to the United States. Across Florida, state parks protect some of the nation’s most iconic natural and historic places. From crystal-clear springs and beaches to trails, rivers and historic landmarks, these resources offer meaningful ways to connect with the history and natural beauty that define our state. Learn more at: floridastateparks.org/learn/free-adm…

2022-2023 Florida Cattlemen's Association Past President Wes Carlton: “My family is pleased and proud to endorse Wilton in his re-election campaign. Through his leadership we have the strongest green belt, agritourism and Right to Farm legislation in the nation.”

Happy 29th Anniversary Kathy!

This #FarmerFriday, we’re recognizing 5th generation farmer Raymond Warthen of Infinite Zion Farms. From his citrus groves and fields in Groveland, Raymond produces a variety of Florida grown vegetables while supporting community access to fresh, local produce. Join us in celebrating his dedication to Florida agriculture.  Follow them here: Infinite Zion Farms Instagram: @ InfiniteZionFarms

2023-2024 Florida Cattlemen's Association Past President Pat Durden: "Wilton Simpson has been one of the strongest advocates for Florida agriculture in decades. From leading the nation in banning lab-grown meat, to taking aggressive action to protect Florida cattle from avian influenza, to preserving working farms and ranches across our state, Commissioner Simpson has fought to protect Florida’s farmers, ranchers, and food security. I fully support his re-election and look forward to continuing to work with him to protect Florida’s green space and working lands."

The Gulf Coast Young Republicans are organized and working hard toward victory in November! Thanks for joining us tonight in Lee County.

2024-2025 Florida Cattlemen's Association Past President Dale Carlton: “I am proud to endorse Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson for re-election. His strong advocacy for conserving our working lands and protecting Florida’s green space, along with his preparedness and leadership during natural disasters, have been some of the highlights of his tenure in office. Commissioner Simpson also understands the critical importance of national food security and continues to champion policies that support Florida agriculture and the families who depend on it. These are just a few of the many accomplishments that reflect his dedication and effective leadership while serving the people of Florida."

🐄 ENDORSEMENT ALERT 🐄 Twenty-four Past Presidents of the Florida Cattlemen's Association today endorsed Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner, adding to the overwhelming support he's received from the agriculture community across the state. Paul Genho 1991-92 Billy Kempfer 1994-95 Edgar Stokes 1995-96 Marty Smith 1996-97 Bert Tucker 1997-98 Larry Barthle 1998-99 Joe Hilliard 2004-05 Hal Phillips 2005-06 Bo Hobby 2006-07 Larry Rooks 2007-06 Jim Strickland 2010-11 Don Quincy 2011-12 Woody Larson 2012-13 Wes Williamson 2013-14 Henry Kempfer 2014-15 Ned Waters 2016-17 Ken Griner 2017-18 Alex Johns 2018-19 Matt Pearce 2019-20 Gene Lollis 2020-21 Cliff Coddington 2021-22 Wes Carlton 2022-23 Pat Durden 2023-24 Dale Carlton 2024-25

WILDFIRE UPDATE: 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 remains extremely high. The Florida Forest Service is fully engaged, and our wildland firefighters have already been working tirelessly for the past few months to protect lives, property, and natural resources across the state. Florida also leads the nation in prescribed fire, using controlled burns year-round to reduce wildfire risk and protect communities. Floridians can help by following burn bans, avoiding outdoor burning, and remaining vigilant throughout wildfire season. To learn how to protect your life, home, and community, visit BeWildfireReadyFL.com. To view current wildfire conditions and activity, visit FDACS.gov/CurrentWildfir…

I am so proud to have Ricky Carmichael in our corner in this race to be your Ag Commissioner. He’s a great Floridian!

The Dade City Women’s Club has been a gathering place for the incredible women who make our community so special for 100 years! I enjoyed celebrating with them this weekend.

Congressman Scott Franklin: "I'm proud to endorse Commissioner Wilton Simpson for his continued leadership on behalf of Florida agriculture. Wilton understands the challenges facing our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities because he’s lived them himself. From protecting Florida’s citrus industry and strengthening our food supply chain, to standing up for conservative values and supporting our agriculture economy, he's been a strong advocate for Florida families and producers. I'm pleased to partner with him at the federal level to keep our Florida agriculture strong and ensure our rural communities continue to thrive."

What an honor to address the Pasco Hernando State College spring commencement in Brooksville recently. The access to world class education opportunities across our state ensures Florida’s future will continue to prosper!

This #FarmerFriday, we’re highlighting Chad Chastain, Kyler Bishop, Rachel Syngo, and Trey Miller of Melon 1. Pictured left to right, the four cousins represent the family's eighth generation of farming, where they work together to grow watermelons in Punta Gorda. The Melon 1 team, along side cousin Ross Chastain, proudly carries it's family agriculture roots into NASCAR, promoting Florida agriculture on and off the track.🍉 Follow them here: Facebook: @Melon1 Instagram: @officialmelon1 Web: melon1.com

OALE officers at the I-75 Agricultural Inspection Station observed a vehicle enter the inspection ramp traveling in the wrong direction and come to a stop near the building. Officers made contact with the elderly female driver and immediately recognized her and the vehicle as a match to an active Silver Alert. Hamilton County EMS was requested and responded to the scene for a precautionary evaluation. EMS determined that the elderly female was disoriented and required transport to the hospital for further evaluation. Officers contacted the elderly female’s sister by phone and spoke with her, as well as Largo Police Officers who were present at the residence. Officers provided the family with information to locate the hospital. The family and Largo PD expressed their gratitude to OALE officers for their assistance and requested that the vehicle be towed for storage and safekeeping.

The Florida Fair Association is gathered this week for their 75th Convention in Orlando this week and I was honored to spend some time with them this morning discussing their contributions to our economy and quality of life here in Florida. Then we popped in to visit with Florida’s elected Property Appraisers in Wildwood to share with them the good work our department is doing to support the farmers who strengthen their communities each and every day. And we’re closing out the day in Inverness tonight to support my good friend JJ Grow who’s doing a great job fighting for Florida’s farmers in the State House.

Farmers Feeding Florida is rescuing more food than ever, making a deeper impact on one of Florida’s most pressing challenges. This quarter alone, the program has increased the amount of food rescued by millions of pounds, ensuring more Florida-grown food supports our economy and reaches families who need it most. And we have the receipts to show it!  🐄 348,923 lbs of beef 🥛10.6 million servings of milk 🥜381,960 jars of peanut butter 🌽12.8 million lbs of produce 🌊108,189 lbs of seafood #FeedingFlorida #farmersfeedingflorida

Leading School Choice Advocate John Kirtley: "Wilton Simpson understands the path to eliminating generational poverty is through school choice in our K-12 education system. He has worked to ensure access to quality opportunities that serve the needs of Florida’s robust economy by expanding meaningful training in the trades, and inspiring the next generation of farmers by eliminating hurdles for on-campus farming programs. I am proud to endorse Wilton Simpson for Agriculture Commissioner because I know he will continue to deliver for Florida’s students and families."