Nov 10, 2025
BALM, Fla.— Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Agricultural Technology (AgTech) is now one of the state’s target industries at the groundbreaking of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture. The announcement underscores Florida’s continued commitment to advancing innovation and competitiveness across all industry sectors—including agriculture, one of the state’s foundational industries.
“Florida is leading the nation in innovation and technology, and formally recognizing AgTech as a targeted industry highlights our state’s commitment to advancing technologies that safeguard America’s future,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly . “From information technology to data-driven systems that strengthen supply chains and resource management, the technology behind AgTech represents a vital frontier in both economic competitiveness and national security. By investing in these emerging technologies and supporting institutions like the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Florida is ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation that protects and powers our nation.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, today marks a significant step forward for Florida’s AgTech industry,” said University of Florida Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Head of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Dr. Scott Angle. “Today’s groundbreaking will help Florida’s farmers harness cutting-edge innovation to strengthen our agricultural systems—because when we grow our own safe reliable food supply, our state and our nation are more secure. As Florida prioritizes AgTech as a target industry, we will continue to see projects like this move faster and farther, turning research into real world solutions that advance and protect our agricultural future.”
Florida’s list of target industries serves as a guide for state and local economic development programs, helping identify sectors with the highest potential to generate significant returns on investment through job creation, innovation and long-term growth. FloridaCommerce is in the process of its statutorily required review of the state’s target industry list under Section 288.05, Florida Statutes. Several hundred economic and workforce development stakeholders provide feedback in this process. FloridaCommerce has made the decision to elevate AgTech as a target industry prior to the completion of that process in response to partnership with and insights from numerous industry experts.
This announcement comes as FloridaCommerce and the Florida SBDC Network prepare for the next stop of Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour, a high-impact, multi-agency initiative designed to meet rural entrepreneurs where they are— bringing the full force of Florida’s business resources to communities often overlooked. This tour will elevate visibility, promote industry-specific economic growth, secure state and local elected official engagement, and, most importantly, ensure the ability for young people to get educated, get a job, and start a business—ultimately expanding opportunity in the communities they love without having to leave them.
For more information on Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour please visit, floridasbdc.org/ruraltour.
“Florida is leading the nation in innovation and technology, and formally recognizing AgTech as a targeted industry highlights our state’s commitment to advancing technologies that safeguard America’s future,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly . “From information technology to data-driven systems that strengthen supply chains and resource management, the technology behind AgTech represents a vital frontier in both economic competitiveness and national security. By investing in these emerging technologies and supporting institutions like the UF/IFAS Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Florida is ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation that protects and powers our nation.”
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, today marks a significant step forward for Florida’s AgTech industry,” said University of Florida Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Head of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Dr. Scott Angle. “Today’s groundbreaking will help Florida’s farmers harness cutting-edge innovation to strengthen our agricultural systems—because when we grow our own safe reliable food supply, our state and our nation are more secure. As Florida prioritizes AgTech as a target industry, we will continue to see projects like this move faster and farther, turning research into real world solutions that advance and protect our agricultural future.”
Florida’s list of target industries serves as a guide for state and local economic development programs, helping identify sectors with the highest potential to generate significant returns on investment through job creation, innovation and long-term growth. FloridaCommerce is in the process of its statutorily required review of the state’s target industry list under Section 288.05, Florida Statutes. Several hundred economic and workforce development stakeholders provide feedback in this process. FloridaCommerce has made the decision to elevate AgTech as a target industry prior to the completion of that process in response to partnership with and insights from numerous industry experts.
This announcement comes as FloridaCommerce and the Florida SBDC Network prepare for the next stop of Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour, a high-impact, multi-agency initiative designed to meet rural entrepreneurs where they are— bringing the full force of Florida’s business resources to communities often overlooked. This tour will elevate visibility, promote industry-specific economic growth, secure state and local elected official engagement, and, most importantly, ensure the ability for young people to get educated, get a job, and start a business—ultimately expanding opportunity in the communities they love without having to leave them.
For more information on Florida’s Rural Business Resource Tour please visit, floridasbdc.org/ruraltour.