The two candidates in the Nov. 3 election, the Republican incumbent and Democrat challenger, won their way through the Aug. 18 primary to get to this point to earn the job of Florida Agriculture Commissioner.
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 and only edited for space considerations.
Wilton Simpson, Republican (incumbent)
Age: 60
Education: Pasco-Hernando State College
Occupation: Incumbent Florida Commissioner of Agriculture. Owner of a large egg farm in Pasco County.
Campaign website: wiltonsimpson.com
This candidate did not respond to the News Collaborative of Central Florida questionnaire. Using the candidate's website and social posts, we have tried to provide answers to our questions.
Why do you deserve to be elected in this race?
In June, Simpson's official Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website highlighted his "major wins" in the state budget. Among them were the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which received $425 million to support efforts to save working farms and ranches and the Florida Wildlife Corridor from development; the Florida Forest Service receiving $132 million to support wildfire suppression, mitigation, prevention and detection efforts; and Farmers Feeding Florida, which received $38 million to support the purchase, transport and distribution of Florida-grown food products for the benefit of food-insecure Florida residents.
If elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
Based on information posted on Simpson's website, these were among his top issues:
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.
Why would you change about Florida's regulatory system?
On his website, Simpson notes, "Over the past three years, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has focused on strengthening agriculture, protecting consumers, and delivering measurable results for Floridians. From preserving farmland to reducing regulatory burdens, these efforts are helping secure Florida’s future."
CBS News noted that Simpson was a big proponent of Florida's first-in-the-nation ban on lab-grown meat, to protect farmers and ranchers. According to Fox 13 in Tampa, Simpson also wants the state to continue efforts to eliminate THC products that are marketed to children.
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 be 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.
This Voters Guide was produced by the News Collaborative of Central Florida, a collective of independent local news outlets and aligned partners working toward a more informed and engaged Central Florida.
