Grow in Bartow

With Florida Citrus Mutual, UF/IFAS Extension Office, and Department of Citrus all located in Bartow – Bartow is the education hub for agribusiness and agri-technology in Florida providing support in all things agriculture including food flavoring, agriculture equipment manufacturing, food processing, and expanded production of crops.

Crops include blueberries, citrus, and hemp; with some farmers experimenting with producing olives and sod in Polk County.  Mosaic provides fertilizer for the crops.

Cattle remains a vibrant business in Florida; with 2500 operational cattle farms that are home to 90,000 head of cattle in Polk County alone.

Nearby Ag Links:

Leading Education Programs

UF/IFAS Extension Polk County (in Bartow): UF/IFAS Extension Polk County is a partnership between the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) and the Polk County Board of County Commissioners. Through Extension, Polk County citizens find answers to both every day and difficult issues in a diversity of topic areas, from lowering doctor visit frequency through better nutrition and physical activity, to planting a low water-use Florida yard, to protecting commercial fruit operations from pests and diseases.

UF Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC): Home to the Florida Department of Citrus, CREC has 200 employees, 600+ acres of groves and more than 40 laboratories dedicated to uncovering new innovation in the citrus and other agricultural industries. It’s also home to the largest citrus library in the world.

Florida Southern College – Citrus: Florida Southern College features the nation’s only bachelor’s degree specifically in Citrus. Students benefit from classes taught by industry leaders as well as the school’s close proximity to the CREC in Lake Alfred.

Warner University – Agricultural Studies: Warner’s project-based curriculum provides students with marketable experience through internships, field trips, mentorships, capstone projects and guest lectures led by industry leaders.

Recent News

Florida Citrus Forecast Has Industry Optimistic
Ag Tour Highlights Farmers/Ranchers who are Protecting the Environment
Citrus Industry Diversification & New Technologies Increase Productivity
Agritourism a Growing Business