Commissioner Wilton Simpson Will Provide An Agricultural Inspection Station & FDACS Ag Law Enforcement Update April 27

Construction is underway for two new Agricultural Inspection Stations in Jackson County. One on Highway 231, at the Alabama border, and one on Highway 2, at the Georgia border. Agricultural Law Enforcement Officers have been hired and have begun patrolling the Panhandle. Many farmers, ranchers, horse owners, and landowners have been asking questions about the purpose and operating procedures for these officers and facilities, and what is required of agricultural trucks and trailers entering Florida.

The Jackson County Ag Coalition, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office have organized a public meeting to provide information on this new focus of agricultural law enforcement in Jackson County. Florida Department of Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, and his staff will present an update on agricultural law enforcement in the Panhandle. Following the formal presentations, there will be a question-and-answer session. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about agricultural law requirements and have your questions answered, so operators can be prepared for inspections.

The Ag Law Enforcement Update will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM Central Time. The meeting will be held at the Jackson County Agriculture Offices’ Peanut Hall – 2741 Penn Ave. Marianna, Florida. This is a free educational event open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

The Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement (OALE) enforces laws governing businesses regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). OALE has three primary missions: 1. Ensure a safe food supply and prevent harmful pests and diseases that threaten Florida's $200 billion agricultural industry. 2. Inspect highway shipments of agricultural, horticultural, aquaculture and livestock products. And 3. Enforce laws to prevent fraud, theft and unfair practices, protecting consumers and retailers.

Once construction is completed on the two Ag Inspection Stations in Jackson County, OALE will operate 25 agricultural interdiction stations on 21 highways entering Florida. These inspections ensure the safety of Florida's food supply by identifying unsafe or unwholesome food that could pose health risks. Officers are also vigilant in detecting plant and animal pests and diseases that could harm Florida’s agricultural industry.

For more information about this public educational event, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Office – 850-482-9620 from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays.

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