Economic Contributions of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food Industries in Polk County, Florida Summary of Findings

Agriculture, natural resources and food industries are important contributors to Polk County economy
Extensive linkages between Ag producers, processing, distribution, allied inputs and services sectors.
Farmland is 45 percent of Polk County’s total land area, but declined over 100,000 acres since 2002, due to development, land conversion.
County has high rankings for Agriculture commodities in the state and U.S.
Agricultural sales growing slowly (increased 23% since 2002).
Citrus industry is dominant in Polk County, but threatened.
Strong growth in food manufacturing and distribution.
Large export base for farm and food products.
Employment: 86,023 jobs, 33% of county workforce.
Value added: $5.70 billion, 31% of GDP
Labor income: $3.44 billion.
Tax revenues: $1.33 billion overall, $280 million in sales taxes, $218 million local property taxes