AgriPolk: Growing the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders in Polk County

AgriPolk: Growing the Next Generation of Agricultural Leaders in Polk County
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 by Haines City EDC Staff

Categories: Haines City News

In Northeast Polk County, agriculture has long been part of everyday life, shaping our landscape, our work ethic, and our sense of community. While Haines City today is also known for its growing logistics and distribution networks, many local families still have roots in citrus, cattle, nurseries, and land stewardship. Our students often encounter agriculture early through FFA chapters, school-based ag programs, and hands-on experiences that spark a genuine connection to the land. Those sparks deserve pathways to grow into futures.

Polk State College’s new AgriPolk initiative was created to nurture that growth. AgriPolk provides students with a pathway to explore and develop careers in agricultural science, agribusiness, livestock and plant management, biotechnology, veterinary-related fields, and emerging ag-technology disciplines. It blends classroom learning, hands-on experience, and clear transfer options to four-year university programs, ensuring students don’t just learn about agriculture, they learn how to lead within it.

“Polk State College is proud to expand its partnership with the University of Florida to provide this seamless pathway for students to pursue their academic and career goals in agricultural and life sciences. Polk State is positioned to prepare students for success in UF’s baccalaureate degree programs and future careers in industries critical to our region and the State of Florida,”
— Dr. Angela Garcia Falconetti, President, Polk State College

More than 3,000 students in Polk County public schools are already studying agriculture across 17 high schools and 17 middle schools, a sign of a strong and growing interest among young people in food systems, animal care, environmental science, problem-solving, and stewardship of the land. AgriPolk gives these students a place to continue their education without having to leave their community, turning early interest into lifelong opportunity.

This initiative also supports the needs of local employers, the growers, processors, distributors, supply chain partners, and ag-technology firms who depend on skilled, informed, and community-rooted professionals. When education programs and industry needs are connected, the result is a stronger, more stable workforce pipeline that benefits everyone, students, families, businesses, and the region as a whole.

“The creation of the AgriPolk initiative was a data-driven decision supported by local industry partners as well as the University of Florida’s UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). With more than 3,000 students currently enrolled in agriculture-related courses across 17 high schools and 17 middle schools in Polk County, the demand for a clear and accessible pathway into agricultural careers is undeniable. These students represent a vibrant and growing pipeline of future professionals in fields such as agri-technology, animal science, horticulture and biotechnology,”
— Dr. Belkis Capeles, Polk State Dean of Workforce Education

Classes and core coursework will take place at the Polk State JD Alexander Center in Lake Wales, with hands-on learning and technical skill development hosted at the Advanced Technology Center in Bartow. This allows students to gain both foundational knowledge and practical experience, the combination that makes job candidates strong on day one.

And here in Haines City and Northeast Polk, where agriculture and transportation are closely linked through rail access, processing facilities, packing operations, and distribution networks, cultivating homegrown talent supports the long-term strength of our local economy.

“Programs like AgriPolk help make sure that the next generation of agricultural leaders can grow their skills and careers right here at home. When our students succeed locally, our industry, our families, and our entire community benefit. This is what workforce development looks like when education and industry move forward together.”
— Cyndi Jantomaso, Haines City EDC

How to Get Started

Students and families can connect directly with the AgriPolk team for enrollment support and program guidance:
[email protected]
polk.edu/agripolk-agriculture

About the Haines City EDC

The Haines City Economic Development Council is a private, not-for-profit organization committed to supporting job creation, industry retention, workforce development, and economic investment throughout Haines City. By partnering with local employers, educational institutions, and community leaders, the EDC works to ensure a thriving, connected, and future-ready local economy where residents and businesses can grow and succeed together. Contact us to learn more.