Agriculture Industry Development Program

Mission Statement

The Agricultural outreach program coordinates with the agribusiness industry to evaluate issues of concern and to facilitate communication and problem resolution related to County government agencies. It is also responsible to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within Hillsborough County for the benefit of all its residents. The Hillsborough County Agriculture Industry Development Program is a component of the Hillsborough County Economic Development Department. The program works under the guidance of a council, the Agriculture Economic Development Council, comprised of agribusiness, local chambers of commerce, government, industry, and business leaders. The purpose of the Agriculture Industry Development Program is to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within Hillsborough County for the benefit of all its residents. The major goals of the Agriculture Industry Development Program are: To discourage the premature conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural use. Minimize the impact of the regulatory process on agriculture's ability to conduct business, while still achieving the goals of those regulations. Improve the economic sustainability of agriculture in Hillsborough County through increased marketing options, alternative crops, value-added processing, capital financing opportunities, and identification of other barriers to the expansion or sustainability of agriculture. Promote the expansion and relocation of agribusiness firms in Hillsborough County.