Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson joined growers and representatives of Walmart and Farmers Alliance on a farm tour this week to spotlight the grocery retail giant’s local suppliers.
The group visited Cook Farms, a fifth-generation, 40-acre family farm in Trenton outside Gainesville, according to a press release by Walmart.
“Florida farmers are the foundation of our food supply, our food security, and our freedom,” Simpson said in a statement. “I applaud Walmart’s commitment to sourcing from Florida growers, which helps to keep our food supply secure, our economy strong, and our communities nourished and thriving. The more food we grow and sell right here at home, the healthier Florida — and our nation — will be.”
Cook Farms grows bell pepper, poblano, cubanelle and squash to send to two different Walmart Distribution Centers in Florida. The Walmart release said Cook Farms is one of 44 local suppliers the company works with in the Sunshine State.
“We know quality is the biggest driver when selecting produce, which is why we work with local growers through Farmers Alliance in Florida to source as close to the customer as possible, without sacrificing quality,” said Walmart Vice President of Sourcing Laura Himes in a statement.
“As we celebrate our local farmers in Florida, we remain committed to buying the locally grown produce that support and create local jobs. It makes sense for our customers, our communities, and our company.”
State leaders have been vocal in their support of agriculture. Senate President Ben Albritton is a citrus farmer.
Earlier this week, Senators were briefed on a program under the Florida Department of Agriculture And Consumer Services that looks to preserve agricultural and natural lands on the wildlife corridor.
The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program went from protecting 66,000 acres between 2001 to 2022 to safeguarding 161,000 acres since 2023, the program’s Director, JP Fraites, told the Senate Agriculture Committee.
