Both registered Democrats and Republicans will choose a candidate for the state's Agriculture in the Aug. 18 primary. The winner of each race will square off in the Nov. 3 general election for the chance to win the job.
The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates’ answers were fact checked, checked for spelling and grammar but otherwise unedited.
Joey Mendoza Atkins, Democrat
Age: 40
Education: Florida Atlantic University (2008) – Bachelor’s Degree; University of Toledo College of Law (2013) – Juris Doctor (J.D.); The New School – Milano School of Policy, Management, and Environment (2018) – Master of Arts in International Economic Development
Occupation: Attorney
Campaign website: joeyforflorida.com
Why do you deserve to elected in this race?
I am seeking this office because I believe the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services deserves leadership that is competent, accountable, and focused on results. The Commissioner oversees one of the largest and most diverse agencies in state government, and that responsibility requires sound judgment, integrity, and a commitment to serving the public.
As a Florida attorney, I have built my career solving complex problems, interpreting and applying the law, and holding individuals and institutions accountable. Those experiences have prepared me to lead a department responsible for protecting consumers, supporting Florida agriculture, conserving our natural resources, and enforcing the laws that keep our markets fair and our food supply safe.
My graduate education in international economic development broadened my understanding of the relationship between agriculture, economic growth, conservation, and public policy. It reinforced my belief that a strong agricultural economy and responsible stewardship of our natural resources go hand in hand. Throughout my career, I have sought practical solutions that strengthen communities and expand opportunity.
I also understand that leadership begins with listening. Florida’s farmers, ranchers, foresters, consumers, and small businesses are the experts on the challenges they face every day. As Commissioner, I will work collaboratively with those stakeholders, rely on sound science and data, and ensure the Department remains transparent, efficient, and responsive.
My goal is simple: to lead a Department that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural community, manages our natural resources responsibly, and earns the public’s trust through competence, fairness, and results.
If elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
Florida’s Department of Agriculture should be a partner to the state’s agricultural community while remaining a strong advocate for consumers. I believe our regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and predictable. It must focus on helping honest farmers and businesses comply with the law while holding bad actors accountable.
We should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests because these resources are essential to our agricultural economy and quality of life. Smart conservation and responsible land stewardship are not obstacles to economic growth–they help ensure Florida agriculture remains productive for generations to come.
Consumer protection must remain a top priority. Floridians deserve confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, and businesses operate honestly. The Department should aggressively enforce laws against fraud, deceptive trade practices, and unsafe products while making government more responsive and transparent.
Above all, I believe the Department should be results-oriented: reducing unnecessary bureaucracy where possible, embracing innovation and technology, supporting Florida producers, and ensuring government works efficiently for both consumers and the agricultural community.
Why would you change about Florida’s regulatory system?
Florida’s regulatory system should be modern, efficient, and focused on results. I do not believe the goal should be more regulation or less regulation simply for the sake of ideology. The goal should be smart regulation that protects consumers, supports Florida’s agricultural economy, and allows honest businesses to thrive.
For Florida’s agricultural community, that means making regulatory requirements clear, predictable, and efficient while reducing unnecessary bureaucracy for producers who consistently comply with the law. The Department should be a partner to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural businesses by providing timely guidance and responsive service.
At the same time, consumer protection must remain a core responsibility of the Department. Floridians should have confidence that the food they purchase is safe, fuel pumps are accurate, businesses are operating honestly, and those who engage in fraud or deceptive practices will be held accountable. Enforcement resources should be focused on bad actors rather than creating unnecessary burdens for businesses that follow the rules.
I also believe the Department should continue investing in conservation efforts that protect Florida’s soil, water, and forests while embracing technology and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and transparency. Strong agriculture, responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and effective consumer protection are complementary goals that strengthen Florida’s economy and improve quality of life.
Donald A. ‘Don’ Prichard, Democrat
Age: 44
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Studies from American Military University in 2015, a Master’s in Business Administration and Management from Western Governors University in 2022, and completed the Southern Police Institute’s 103rd Command Officer’s Development Course in June 2026.
Occupation: Captain at the Pembroke Park Police Department
Campaign website: donprichardforfl.com
Prichard did not send responses to the News Collaborative of Central Florida's questionnaire.
Wilton Simpson, Republican (Incumbent)
Age: 60
Occupation: Incumbent Florida Commissioner of Agriculture
Campaign website: wiltonsimpson.com
Simpson also did not respond to our survey; this information was obtained from his candidate web site.
If elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
Agriculture: Florida farms are legacy businesses that contribute to our nation’s food supply and billions of dollars to our state’s economy. Laws are frequently updated to recognize changes in other industries, and Wilton has made it clear our hardworking Florida farmers will not be left behind.
As more and more people leave densely populated areas of the country and relocate to rural areas of our state, residential development encroaches on our rural areas. Friction between these competing land uses can lead to frivolous lawsuits that threaten the survival of legacy farming communities. Wilton wants to make certain we continue to preserve existing farms which create critical jobs our agricultural communities have relied on for generations.
Environment: As a member of the Florida Cabinet, Wilton stood with Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2023 to approve the preservation of approximately 18,279.38 acres of working agricultural land through cost-effective conservation easements totaling nearly $58 million.
The preservation efforts will prevent future development of the land and allow agriculture operations to continue to contribute to Florida’s economy and the production of food, timber, and other resources vital to the prosperity¬†of the Sunshine State. These nine acquisitions are the largest through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Rural and Family Lands Protection Program ever approved in the history of the program.
Matt Taylor, Republican
Age: 36
Occupation: A welder and mechanic by trade, his work experience includes long-haul trucker, and independent contractor/media platform manager
Campaign website: treadback.com/about-matt
Taylor also did not respond to our survey; this information was obtained from his candidate web site.
If elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
"Florida’s growing fast, but not in the right ways. We’re losing farmland, clean water, and the small-town way of life that built this state. I’m running for Commissioner of Agriculture to stand up for the people who work the land, not the ones paving it over.
I’m against overdevelopment. Too much of our farmland is being turned into subdivisions and solar fields, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
I’ll fight to:
- Expand programs to help farmers who want to keep their land in agriculture instead of selling to developers.
- Stop industrial and solar projects from taking over productive farmland.
- Give tax relief to family farms and timber owners who protect their property.
- Make sure state funding supports smart growth and local voices, not unchecked sprawl.
Farming should be profitable, not a fight to survive.
I’ll work to:
- Launch a Florida Grown First program that directs state agencies, schools, and public institutions to buy Florida-grown food whenever possible.
- Get disaster relief and crop insurance to small farms faster.
- Cut pointless regulations and fees that drive up costs.
Our kids deserve real, healthy food and our farmers deserve steady markets.
I’ll push to:
- Provide school meals made with Florida-grown produce and whole milk.
Connect schools directly with local farms through stronger farm-to-school programs.
Florida’s land and water are being stretched thin by overdevelopment, neglect, and the over-spraying of dangerous chemicals.
Here’s what I’ll do:
- Use the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to help landowners get paid for keeping their land in agriculture instead of selling to developers.
- Expand voluntary conservation programs that help farmers protect soil and water without adding more red tape.
- Push the Cabinet to prioritize conservation easements and block bad land deals that destroy working land or water resources.
- Hold corporate polluters and irresponsible developers accountable when they abuse land or water, and make sure the state isn’t rewarding bad behavior with tax breaks.
Consumer Protection
Everyday Floridians should get what they pay for.
I’ll:
- Modernize inspections at gas pumps and grocery stores.
- Crack down on price gouging.
- Keep the Department transparent and accountable”
