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Agriculture & Agritechnology

Polk County – Embracing the Essences of Change

  • orange-blossoms-1Polk is the largest citrus producer in the state of Florida and home to the Florida Department of Citrus.
  • Six flavor and essence companies are located in Polk County, many of which use citrus by-products for food flavoring, alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, rubber, and textiles. Among the flavor and essence manufacturers that call Polk county home are Firmenich, Givaudan Flavors Corp., Kerry International, Florida Chemical and Treatt USA.
  • Since 1917, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has operated its Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred in Polk County. Over 250 employees perform leading research on the production of ethanol and citrus products on its 225 acres and 40 laboratories.
  • The Florida Institute for Phosphate research, located in Polk County, is doing research on the feasibility of harvesting biomass crops on former phosphate-mined lands in support of ethanol production.
  • MOSAIC, which is a joint venture between Cargill Crop Nutrition and IMC Global, operates several phosphate mines and fertilizer production facilities in Polk County, and is one of the top private employers in the region, employing 2,500 people.
  • Dundee, in Polk County, is home to Maxi Jet and its affiliate Mister Landscaper, industry leaders in low volume irrigation manufacturing for all commercial agricultural markets as well as the retail Do-It Yourself market.
  • Phillip Rucks Citrus Nursery, Inc.  in Frostproof grows more than one million citrus trees annually.
Testimonials
"The county's business environment and the ongoing support of the CFDC have helped us achieve [our] goal for many years and we look forward to our continued partnership."
- Charles Matthews, VP Operations, Florida's Natural Growers
"We initially targeted Polk County because of its obvious logistical advantages, but we were immediately impressed by the tremendous support and cooperation we received from the CFDC. A building can be built anywhere, but what makes a project...successful is a cooperative relationship with community leaders and the availability of a dedicated and reliable workforce."
- David Behm, VP, Aldi Inc.
"From a personal and business perspective, being new to Polk County has been a very positive experience. We are excited to live and work in Polk County and look forward to what the future has to bring in terms of growth and opportunities."
- Stacy Hackworth, Facility Manager, Ferguson
"We found the economic development atmosphere and support from Polk County to be a true asset in our decision to locate our new, state-of-the-art facility in Lakeland. When you are building the most advanced manufacturing facility your industry has ever seen, you have to have confidence in the long-term commitment of the community. We found just that in Polk County and are pleased to be one of their newest business neighbors and partners."
- Ross Dalton, President, GTECH Printing Corporation
"In 1962, State Farm opened its doors in Winter Haven, which is now our Florida headquarters. We are so proud to be a part of this great Polk County community. Polk County provides State Farm with a workforce that brings diverse talents and experiences to provide the quality service our State Farm customers expect and deserve."
- Jim Thompson, Sr. Vice President, State Farm Insurance