Agriculture in the Lakeland Region
Lakeland sits at the heart of Polk County, one of Florida's largest agricultural counties by land area. For generations, the region's sandy ridges, warm climate, and abundant lakes have supported citrus groves, cattle ranches, vegetable farms, and nurseries. Nearby Plant City is famous for strawberries, while Lake Wales, Frostproof, and Auburndale have long been centers of citrus production and processing.
Although citrus greening disease has challenged growers in recent years, local farming companies have responded with new rootstocks, protective screening, diversified crops, and advanced technology. The result is an industry that remains a vital part of the regional economy and identity.
How We Chose These Companies
We considered history, scale, innovation, community impact, sustainability practices, and contribution to Central Florida agriculture.
1. Florida's Natural Growers
Florida's Natural Growers is a grower-owned cooperative based in nearby Lake Wales. It produces premium not-from-concentrate juices using fruit from member growers. Its cooperative structure keeps profits with local farm families and supports the region's citrus heritage.
2. Ben Hill Griffin, Inc.
Ben Hill Griffin, Inc., headquartered in Frostproof, is one of Florida's most established agricultural companies. It manages citrus groves, cattle operations, and related businesses, and it has been a major contributor to Polk County's agricultural legacy.
3. Cutrale Citrus Juices
Cutrale Citrus Juices operates a large processing facility in Auburndale, close to Lakeland. The company converts locally grown oranges into juice products for global markets, supporting many growers and jobs across the region.
4. Dundee Citrus Growers Association
Dundee Citrus Growers Association is a grower-owned cooperative offering packing, harvesting, and grove care services. It helps members market fresh citrus and manage groves efficiently, preserving the viability of family farms.
5. Wish Farms
Wish Farms, based in the Plant City area, is a major grower and marketer of strawberries and other berries. Its focus on food safety, technology, and consumer branding has made it one of the most recognized berry companies in the country.
6. Hinton Farms Produce
Hinton Farms Produce is a family-owned operation near Plant City that grows strawberries and vegetables. Its long history and commitment to quality reflect the deep agricultural roots of eastern Hillsborough and western Polk counties.
7. Fancy Farms
Fancy Farms is a family strawberry farm in the Plant City region known for its quality berries and seasonal market. It represents the many multigenerational farms that keep the area's strawberry tradition alive.
8. Lykes Bros. Inc.
Lykes Bros. is a diversified Florida agribusiness with interests in cattle, citrus, and land management. Its large-scale ranching and conservation practices have made it an influential force in Central and South Florida agriculture.
9. Alico, Inc.
Alico has been one of the largest citrus producers in the United States and is actively involved in land management and conservation in Florida. Its long-term investments in grove technology have influenced practices across the state's citrus industry.
10. Southern Gardens Citrus
Southern Gardens Citrus is known for juice processing and research into citrus greening solutions. Its investment in disease-resistant plant development has benefited growers across Florida, including those in Polk County.
Trends Shaping Lakeland-Area Farming
Farmers in the region are adopting precision irrigation, drone scouting, and data-driven grove management to improve yields and conserve water. Diversification into crops such as blueberries, peaches, and specialty vegetables is helping growers reduce risk. Agritourism, including u-pick farms and farm markets, also continues to grow as residents seek local food experiences.
Why Local Farming Matters
Agriculture supports thousands of jobs in Polk County, preserves open space, and provides fresh food to the region. Supporting local farms through farmers markets, grocery choices, and community programs helps sustain an industry that has defined Lakeland's landscape for more than a century.
Education and Research Supporting Local Growers
Polk County's farmers benefit from strong research and education partnerships. The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences operates the Citrus Research and Education Center in nearby Lake Alfred, which develops solutions for disease management, irrigation, and grove productivity. Local extension agents provide workshops and on-farm guidance, while youth programs such as 4-H and FFA cultivate the next generation of agricultural leaders. These resources help Lakeland-area farms remain competitive and sustainable in a changing industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crops are most common around Lakeland? Citrus has historically dominated Polk County agriculture, but the region also produces strawberries, blueberries, vegetables, nursery plants, sod, and cattle. Diversification has increased in recent years as growers adapt to market and disease challenges.
How has citrus greening affected the industry? Citrus greening, also called HLB, has significantly reduced yields across Florida. Growers are responding with tree protection programs, improved nutrition, new rootstocks, and research partnerships with the University of Florida.
Where can residents buy directly from local farms? Farmers markets, roadside stands, u-pick farms, and farm stores throughout Polk and eastern Hillsborough counties offer fresh, seasonal produce. Strawberry season, which peaks in late winter, is a particularly popular time to visit local farms.
Final Thoughts
From citrus cooperatives to berry growers and cattle ranches, the farming companies around Lakeland combine tradition with innovation. They continue to adapt to new challenges while feeding communities and strengthening Central Florida's economy.