Agriculture in North Florida
Cultivate Your Career
North Florida is home to acres of farmland from which more than a thousand food and beverage businesses operate. Nearly a quarter of Bradford County’s businesses are involved in agriculture and the transportation of products.
Supporting farmers and food processing centers in North Florida is the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences — a nationally ranked research institution located in Gainesville which grows jobs, improves production practices, and provides innovative ag tech technologies.
Whether you want to want to be a crop consultant or dream of being an environmental conservationist, North Florida has the right career opportunity for you.
Jobs in North Florida
North Florida is home to a field of flourishing dreams and organizations like CareerSource North Florida have helped grow the professional lives of thousands throughout the region.
Featured Employers
- Agriculture Businesses
- Agriculture Industry Partners
- Start a Business
A Legacy of Food Production
Jefferson County is filled with agribusinesses as well as numerous agricultural support services, including crop farms, vineyards, and citrus orchards. Gwinn Brothers Farms in Suwannee County harvests nearly 800 acres of grain and more than 500 acres of peanuts.
Whether you wish to work for a company that is committed to sustainability, food safety and cutting edge-tech like Generation Farms or smaller farms in Gainesville, you can create a rewarding career in North Florida.
Strengthening Jobs and Opportunities
The University of Florida is an integral part of the agriculture community throughout the state and specifically North Florida. The university’s Food and Resource Economics Department (FRED) focuses on the agricultural and food systems in Florida, allowing undergraduate students a pathway to working in the private food sector and with environmental and statistical organizations. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Services (IFAS) also provides workshops and publications to drive the industry forward, with extension projects throughout the region like the $480,000 Agricultural Education Center in Union County.
Also located in Gainesville, Florida Farm Bureau advocates for legislation that is beneficial to farmers and food production businesses. The organization has more than 132,000 members and represents farmers who produce all 300 of the state’s agricultural commodities.
Branch Out on Your Own
The resources and partnering agencies throughout North Florida make it easy for agriculturally inclined individuals to branch out on their own in North Florida. University of Florida College of Business’ Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center in Gainesville gives students the opportunity to experience real-world small business ownership while still in school and has helped entrepreneurs launch vegan chocolate bar companies and other agricultural startups. USDA’s Rural Business Development Grants also provides federal funding to help expand business ownership knowledge in North Florida through programs like Florida Department of Agriculture’s Fresh from Florida.