Publications & Resources
Agriculture Facts
Polk County is one of Florida's most productive agricultural counties — a powerhouse of citrus, cattle, strawberries, and phosphate that feeds the nation and fuels the local economy.
Why Agriculture Matters
The Backbone of Polk County
Agriculture is not just an industry in Polk County — it is the foundation upon which the county was built. From the cattle ranches that stretch across the central Florida landscape to the citrus groves that have defined the region for over a century, Polk County's agricultural heritage runs deep.
Today, Polk County agriculture generates over $1.3 billion in annual economic output, supports thousands of jobs, and feeds families across the United States and around the world. The county's unique combination of fertile soils, subtropical climate, and abundant water resources makes it one of the most productive agricultural regions in the Southeast.
Polk County Farm Bureau works every day to protect and promote this vital industry — advocating for fair policy, educating the public about where their food comes from, and supporting the farm families who make it all possible.
Key Industries
Polk County's Top Agricultural Commodities
Citrus
- Polk County is one of Florida's top citrus-producing counties
- Florida produces approximately 70% of all U.S. citrus
- Oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines are the primary crops
- The citrus industry supports thousands of local jobs
Cattle & Livestock
- Polk County is home to significant cattle ranching operations
- Florida ranks among the top 10 beef cattle states nationally
- Ranching has been central to Polk County since the 1800s
- Cattle operations cover hundreds of thousands of acres
Strawberries
- Florida is the second-largest strawberry producer in the U.S.
- The Plant City / eastern Polk area is the "Winter Strawberry Capital"
- Harvest season runs November through March
- Florida strawberries supply much of the nation during winter months
Phosphate Mining
- Polk County sits atop one of the world's largest phosphate deposits
- Florida produces about 75% of the nation's phosphate
- Phosphate is a critical ingredient in fertilizers worldwide
- Mining and reclamation support thousands of local jobs
Diverse Production
More Crops & Commodities
Beyond its flagship industries, Polk County farmers grow a wide variety of crops and raise diverse livestock — contributing to a resilient, diversified agricultural economy.
Learn More
Agricultural Resources & Data
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Official state agency for Florida agriculture statistics, programs, and resources.
USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service — Florida
Federal crop reports, county-level data, and agricultural census information.
Florida Farm Bureau Federation
Statewide advocacy, member resources, and Florida agriculture news.
UF/IFAS Extension — Polk County
Research-based agricultural education and extension services for Polk County.
Polk County Economic Development
Economic data and business resources for Polk County, including agriculture.
Support Polk County Agriculture
Join Polk County Farm Bureau and help us advocate for the farmers and ranchers who feed our families and sustain our community.