Economic Impact of Agriculture — Polk County Farm Bureau
Agriculture is the foundation of Polk County's economy and identity. Long before phosphate mining and tourism, farming and ranching shaped this land — and today, Polk County remains one of Florida's most productive agricultural counties. From citrus groves and cattle ranches to vegetable farms and nurseries, agriculture touches every corner of our community.
The economic impact of Polk County agriculture extends far beyond the farm gate. Every dollar generated on a Polk County farm ripples through the local economy — supporting jobs at packing houses, equipment dealers, feed stores, and countless other businesses that depend on a thriving agricultural sector.
Agriculture by the Numbers
$1.7 Billion
Total Economic Output
Agriculture contributes over $1.7 billion in total economic output to Polk County annually.
10,000+
Jobs Supported
More than 10,000 jobs in Polk County are directly or indirectly supported by agriculture.
1,400+
Farm Operations
Polk County is home to more than 1,400 individual farm and ranch operations.
500,000+
Acres in Agriculture
Over 500,000 acres of Polk County land are dedicated to agricultural production.
Why the Economic Impact of Agriculture Matters
Understanding agriculture's economic contribution is critical for sound land-use planning, infrastructure investment, and policy decisions at the local, state, and national levels. When policymakers and the public understand what is at stake, they are better equipped to protect farmland, support farm families, and invest in the future of Polk County agriculture.
Polk County Farm Bureau advocates for policies that recognize agriculture's economic and cultural value — and works to ensure that Polk County's farming heritage is preserved for future generations.
Key Agricultural Sectors
Polk County's agricultural economy is diverse, spanning multiple commodities and production systems. Each sector contributes to the county's overall economic output and supports a network of related businesses and services.
Citrus
Polk County remains one of Florida's leading citrus-producing counties, with orange and grapefruit groves contributing significantly to the local economy despite ongoing challenges from citrus greening disease.
Cattle & Livestock
Beef cattle ranching is a cornerstone of Polk County agriculture, with large ranches spanning tens of thousands of acres across the county's rural landscape.
Vegetables & Row Crops
Polk County producers grow a variety of vegetables and row crops including strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and corn, supplying regional and national markets.
Nursery & Ornamentals
The nursery and ornamental plant industry is a growing segment of Polk County agriculture, supplying landscaping plants and ornamental crops to markets throughout the Southeast.
Sod & Turf
Sod farming is a significant agricultural enterprise in Polk County, with producers supplying turf grass to residential, commercial, and sports facility markets across Florida.
Agribusiness & Support
Beyond the farm gate, Polk County's agricultural economy includes packing houses, processing facilities, equipment dealers, input suppliers, and other agribusiness enterprises that multiply the economic impact of farming.
Farmland Loss: A Growing Threat
Florida is projected to lose up to 2 million acres of farmland by 2070 due to development pressure, population growth, and rising land values. Polk County — one of Florida's fastest-growing counties — faces this threat directly. Once farmland is converted to development, it is rarely returned to agricultural production.
Protecting agricultural land is not just about preserving a way of life — it is an economic imperative. Farmland provides open space, water recharge, wildlife habitat, and a local food supply that cannot be replaced once it is gone.
Additional Resources
For detailed agricultural statistics, research, and economic data on Polk County and Florida agriculture, visit these resources:
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Support Polk County Agriculture
Join Polk County Farm Bureau and help protect the farms, ranches, and agricultural heritage that make our county strong.