What the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference Is
The Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference is a one-day event hosted every year by the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics (FRE). It addresses research, issues and policies that affect Florida's agriculture and food industries. FRE describes it as a chance for the agriculture, agribusiness and research communities to exchange ideas about major policy opportunities, challenges and possible solutions, and as a way to equip industry members with the information they need to advocate for their industries and communities.
The 11th annual conference took place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, with a Zoom option for people who could not travel. The 2026 focus was state and federal policy, trade, and the future of artificial intelligence in agriculture.
Ways to Attend and Cost
| Option | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| In person, Apopka | $60 | Full day of presentations and lunch |
| Online by Zoom | $40 | Live access to the day's program |
Registration ran through Eventbrite and closed Thursday, April 9. Members of the media could attend free, and students could ask for a discount by contacting the FRE marketing and communications specialist. The conference also includes a poster competition open to all UF graduate students, with results announced at the wrap-up.
How the Day Ran: The 2026 Agenda
- 8:30 a.m. Registration.
- 9:00 a.m. Welcome from Lisa House, chair of FRE, and Scott Angle, UF/IFAS senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
- 9:20 a.m. State agricultural policy: Sen. Keith Truenow, chair of the Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture; Kathy Mears, assistant commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; and Tripp Hunter, director of state legislative affairs for the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.
- 11:00 to 11:40 a.m. Federal and state policy: John Walt Boatright of the American Farm Bureau Federation and Jason Mahon, deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.
- 11:45 a.m. Overview of the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center by director Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski.
- 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Trade panel: Kari Heerman of the Brookings Institution, Mike Joyner of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Tammy Cushing of UF/IFAS.
- 2:15 p.m. Hot Topics I, with Gabriel Youtsey of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- 3:00 to 4:10 p.m. Labor panel: Philip Martin of UC Davis, Jamie Fussell of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association and Joaquin Perez of Cherrylake Inc.
- 4:10 p.m. Hot Topics II with Christa Court, director of the UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program.
- 4:15 to 4:30 p.m. Wrap-up, evaluations and poster results with conference coordinator Suzanne Thornsbury. An optional facility tour followed the day's presentations.
What Came Out of the 2026 Conference
Citrus Industry magazine reported that Sen. Truenow discussed passage of the Florida Farm Bill, signed in March, which directs funding and programming for the state agriculture department. He said it makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent, a program that moves excess commodities from growers to food banks. Assistant Commissioner Mears updated attendees on the Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, saying the state has protected more than 225,000 acres in the last three years.
Who Should Come
The conference is aimed at agribusiness leaders, growers, researchers, policymakers and students who need to follow policy that affects Florida farms. The program is built for people who make business and policy decisions, and the networking with industry and academic leaders is one of the stated reasons to attend.
Where
UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2725 S Binion Rd, Apopka, FL 32703.
Questions
Can I attend without traveling?
Yes. A $40 Zoom option let people watch online.
Is lunch included?
Yes, the $60 in-person ticket includes lunch.
Can students compete?
The poster competition is open to all UF graduate students.
Who do I call?
The Food and Resource Economics Department office in Gainesville: (352) 392-1826.
Official Links
- Media alert for the 11th annual conference: cost, date and agenda
- FRE conference page: registration and pricing
- Citrus Industry coverage: conference recap
- Eventbrite registration
UF/IFAS Extension in Florida: The Essentials
UF/IFAS Extension has offices in all 67 Florida counties, according to the statewide office finder, serving farmers, growers, homeowners, youth and families.
What it offers
County offices describe programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture, gardening, natural resources, nutrition and sustainability, per the Sarasota County office. Services differ by county.
Farm help
Soil, plant and nematode testing are available for a fee, per the Small Farms diagnostic page, through your Extension office, a research center or by shipping samples.
Master Gardeners
The Master Gardener program runs through participating county offices, often led by the horticulture agent.
Next steps
Pick your county on the office finder and call before you visit. Hours and services change.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Florida FFA State Convention and Career Expo
Week-long state FFA convention at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, where chapters gather for contests, awards and a career expo. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 15-19, 2026.
- Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details - North Florida Fair
Tallahassee regional fair where Madison County and other area 4-H members enter crafts and projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were Nov 5-15, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL Official event details - Volusia County Fair and Youth Show
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DeLand, FL Official event details - Adams Ranch Annual Cattle Auction
The 48th annual cattle auction hosted by Adams Ranch near Fort Pierce. Held each year; the most recent sale was November 12, 2026.
Fort Pierce, FL | Organizer: Adams Ranch Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.