Orange County Farm Bureau Hosts Annual Elected Officials Luncheon

The Orange County Farm Bureau held its 2019 Elected Officials Luncheon at the Citrus Club on May 21, 2019. Every year, the Farm Bureau’s board of directors updates Orange County officials on the nursery industry, citrus harvesting, farm industry needs and agricultural issues.

Mayor Jerry L. Demings and members of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners joined constitutional officers and community leaders at the meeting, which provided an update on the future of agriculture in Orange County.

As of 2016, more than 199,150 jobs in Orange County are related to agriculture, according to a report by the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Results show that nearly 19.4 percent of Orange County employments is in agriculture or related enterprises and they generate $12.89 billion in Gross Regional Product.

West Orange County is recognized as a statewide citrus industry leader and the County is ranked second in the state for nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod production.

The Orange County Farm Bureau assists in upholding the state’s reputation as a national leader in the agriculture and farming sector and is part of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation (FFBF). FFBF was founded to promote and protect the agricultural interests of farmers and ranchers as they work responsibly to provide an abundant food supply while conserving Florida’s natural resources.

Photo Caption: Orange County Government leaders and local elected officials gather for the Orange County Farm Bureau’s annual luncheon at the Citrus Club in Downtown Orlando.