What: The UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics (FRE) hosts the annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference.
Where: The Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, 2725 S Binion Rd, Apopka, Fl, 32703 or virtually through Zoom link.
When: Thursday, April 16, 2026
Cost: $40 Zoom attendance; $60 in-person attendance
Registration: Please see the Eventbrite link for registration.
About: Each year the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics (FRE) hosts the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference to address impactful research, issues, and policies that affect the state’s current agriculture and food industries.
“This is a great opportunity for the agriculture, agribusiness, and research communities to exchange ideas about major policy opportunities, challenges, and potential solutions for Florida agriculture,” said Suzanne Thornsbury, University of Florida FRE professor and conference coordinator.
This year, the day-long event is slated for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Fl. Attendees are invited to participate in person or watch online.
The 11th annual conference includes conversations by policymakers, key stakeholders and research experts addressing the issues shaping the state’s agriculture industry. Focus this year is on high-profile interests including state and federal policy, trade, and the future of artificial intelligence use in agriculture.
“We are especially proud that for over a decade the annual Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference has been a key avenue for sharing information with not only policymakers, but members of the agricultural industry, equipping them with the information needed to advocate for the needs of their industries and communities,” said Lisa House, FRE chair.
Event pricing ranges from $40 to $60. Eventbrite online registration is required and open through Thursday, April 9.
Members of the media may attend for free, and students may receive a discount by emailing Alena Poulin, FRE marketing and communications specialist, at alenarene@ufl.edu
Agenda Highlights:
8:30 a.m. – Registration
9:00 a.m. – Welcome
- Lisa House, chair of the UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics.
- Scott Angle, UF/IFAS senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources.
9:20 a.m. – State agricultural policy
- Senator Keith Truenow, chair of the Florida Senate Committee on Agriculture.
- Kathy Mears, assistant commissioner of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
- Tripp Hunter, director of the Florida Farm Bureau Federation State legislative affairs.
11 a.m. – Reconvene
11:00 – 11:40 a.m. – Federal and State Policy
- John Walt Boatright, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation.
- Jason Mahon, deputy secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce.
11:45 a.m. – Overview of the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center
- Kirsten Pelz-Stelinski, UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center director and professor.
1:00 p.m. – Reconvene
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. Trade Panel
- Kari Heerman, The Brookings Institution senior fellow and director of trade and economic statecraft
- Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association.
- Tammy Cushing, UF/IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries and Geomatics Sciences extension forest business specialist.
2:15 – 2:35 p.m. Hot Topics I
- Gabriel Youtsey, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources chief innovation officer.
3:00 p.m. – Reconvene
3:00 p.m. – 4:10 p.m. Labor Panel
- Philip Martin, professor emeritus of Agricultural and Resource Economics at the UC Davis global migration center.
- Jamie Fussell, Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association director of labor relations.
- Joaquin Perez – Head of HR/Safety, Cherrylake Inc. head of human resources and safety.
4:10 – 4:15 p.m. Hot Topics II
- Christa Court – UF/IFAS Department of Food and Resource Economics associate professor and UF/IFAS Economic Impact Analysis Program director.
4:15 – 4:30 p.m. Wrap-Up, Evaluations, and Poster Results
- Suzanne Thornsbury, UF Department of Food and Resource Economics professor and conference coordinator
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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