Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus

09/09/2026

It is so important to reelect great Congressmen like Darren Soto.

08/26/2026

A vote for Amanda is a vote for farmers, consumers, and the environment. Rarely do you get the opportunity to vote for a candidate who has a rational, balanced perspective on the full range of challenges that we face in Florida, our nation, and world. What a breath of fresh air it would be to send her to Congress.

08/19/2026

A very fine slate of candidates!

Florida Democrats have our official ticket for the general election 🔥

The race is on to elect ANGIE NIXON to the U.S. Senate and DAVID JOLLY Florida’s next governor.

Running for the Florida Cabinet are José Javier Rodríguez for Attorney General, Annette Taddeo for Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, and Joey Mendoza Atkins for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Together, we will Take Back Florida. We need all hands on deck to support our ticket and elect Democrats down the ballot this November.

Get Involved Lee County Democrats

08/14/2026

Democrats have two highly qualified candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) has endorsed both, reflecting our opinion that both are similarly qualified for the position. Both have exemplary professional records, one in law (Atkins) and one in law enforcement (Prichard). Atkins also has a graduate degree in sustainability and experience serving migrant laborers as legal clients. Prichard has lived experience on farms and experience running a 1500-member deputies union. Both achieved identical scores on the FDAC questionnaire in which they described their views and policies in 10 areas critical to the role of Ag Commissioner. So, Democrats cannot go wrong voting for either one in the Primary Election that is going on now (vote by mail and early voting). The important thing will be that you vote by August 18 and then again in the November General Election for whichever one wins the Primary.

08/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 13, 2026
Contacts: John Capece, FDAC President, [email protected] 863-354-0554
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FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC AGRICULTURAL CAUCUS
ENDORSES DON PRICHARD FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

LABELLE, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) officially announced its endorsement of Don Prichard for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services ahead of the August 18, 2026, primary election.

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) selected Prichard after reviewing his detailed responses to the Caucus's questionnaire addressing Florida agriculture, rural communities, food security, farm labor, agricultural land preservation, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, invasive pests and diseases, and agricultural research and innovation.

Prichard's responses show a strong personal connection to Florida agriculture and a clear understanding of the importance of keeping agricultural land in production while helping farmers remain economically viable. Born and raised in Florida, Prichard grew up around farms, orange groves, dairy operations, and open pastures, and has firsthand experience with agriculture, including growing produce for sale at a local farm stand. He has also served on the Town of Davie's Water and Environmental Board and Land Task Force and has remained involved with agriculture through the Broward Farm Bureau and its Young Farmers and Ranchers program.

“Don Prichard doesn’t just understand Florida agriculture as a policy issue—he has lived alongside it,” said Dr. John Capece, FDAC President. “Don has seen firsthand how closely agriculture, land, water, and community are connected. His commitment to carrying that experience into the Commissioner’s office is a major reason the Caucus judged him qualified to serve in this position of great responsibility.”

Prichard's vision is grounded in the practical realities of keeping people on the land and giving the next generation a reason to stay there. He supports helping farmers navigate succession, encouraging young people to enter agriculture, and making new technologies available to producers—while using conservation and land-use tools to ensure that Florida retains a viable agricultural base.

"Florida cannot maintain a strong agricultural economy if we continue losing productive farmland to development," Capece said. "Don understands that preserving agricultural land requires more than simply telling farmers not to sell. We need to make farming economically viable and give the next generation the tools and support necessary to continue operating family farms."

Prichard also emphasized the importance of farm labor and food security, recognizing that Florida's agricultural economy depends upon a reliable workforce and that supporting farmers and treating agricultural workers fairly are mutually dependent goals. He supports legal pathways that provide greater certainty for qualified agricultural workers while emphasizing safe working conditions, and protection from exploitation.

Prichard approaches Florida's environmental challenges from the perspective that good stewardship and productive agriculture should reinforce one another. He recognizes the importance of protecting the state's water and soil while giving producers practical tools to meet those goals, including better irrigation, precision agriculture, soil-health practices, and access to research and technical expertise. His responses also emphasized the value of working directly with agricultural producers to develop solutions that are both environmentally responsible and workable on the farm.

"Don's approach recognizes that farmers are not the enemy of conservation—they are essential partners in protecting Florida's land and water," Capece said. "He also understands that public investments in conservation should produce measurable results. Cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable agricultural operations should be the standard by which these programs are judged."

Prichard has also called for stronger partnerships among farmers, universities, researchers, government agencies, and agricultural organizations to address invasive pests and diseases, strengthen biosecurity, and accelerate the development of effective responses to emerging threats. His responses highlighted the devastating effects of citrus diseases and the continuing need to protect Florida's crops, livestock, and food supply through science-based prevention and research.

"Florida's agricultural future depends upon our ability to innovate," Capece added. "Don supports investment in agricultural research, education, technology, and workforce development, while insisting that public investments be guided by sound science, accountability, and measurable results. That combination of innovation and responsibility is exactly what Florida agriculture needs."

Prichard also emphasized expanding agricultural education through programs such as 4-H, FFA, and horticulture education, helping young Floridians understand where their food comes from and encouraging the next generation to view agriculture as an important and rewarding career.

"The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus is proud to endorse Don Prichard for Commissioner of Agriculture," Capece said. "We believe he can bring the accountability, service, and practical problem-solving that Florida agriculture deserves."

About Don Prichard

Don Prichard is a lifelong Floridian, combat veteran of the Florida Army National Guard's 1/124 Infantry during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and longtime public servant with a career in law enforcement. He has served as President of IUPA Local 6020 and on the Town of Davie's Water and Environmental Board and Land Task Force. He has also been active with the Broward Farm Bureau, including service as Chair of its Young Farmers and Ranchers program. His campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture emphasizes protecting Florida's agricultural heritage, supporting farmers and rural communities, safeguarding natural resources, and ensuring the state's agricultural economy remains strong for future generations.

About FDAC

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus works within the Florida Democratic Party to advocate for the interests of rural communities, farmers, ranchers, agroforesters, aquaculturists, agricultural workers, and sustainable food systems across the Sunshine State. The Caucus's mission is to recruit, strengthen, and inform candidates and voters in support of farmers, rural communities, and a sustainable food system. FDAC endorses candidates it judges to be qualified to serve as evidenced by their record of prior service, and in the absence of such a record, based on interviews and responses to questionnaires. In some cases this results in multiple endorsements in the same race.
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08/14/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 13, 2026
Contacts: John Capece, FDAC President, [email protected] 863-354-0554
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FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC AGRICULTURAL CAUCUS ENDORSES
JOEY MENDOZA-ATKINS FOR COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE

LABELLE, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) officially announced its endorsement of Joey Mendoza-Atkins for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services ahead of the August 18, 2026, primary election.

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) selected Mendoza-Atkins after reviewing his detailed responses to the Caucus's questionnaire addressing Florida agriculture, rural communities, food security, farm labor, agricultural land preservation, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, invasive pests and diseases, and agricultural research and innovation.

Mendoza-Atkins's responses demonstrate a strong policy background and two decades of multi-sector experience spanning legal aid for Florida migrant farmworkers, environmental management, economic development, and civil litigation. Holding a Master’s degree in environmental management and having engaged in policy work with the UN Global Compact, he brings deep expertise in regulatory structures, consumer protections, and rural economic policy.

“Joey Mendoza-Atkins brings a rare blend of legal discipline, natural systems expertise, and direct experience advocating for farmworkers and rural families,” said Dr. John Capece, FDAC President. “Joey understands how policy decisions directly impact food supply chains, water quality, and local farm margins. His depth of knowledge and practical framework for solving complex agricultural challenges made him exceptional in the Caucus’s evaluation.”

Mendoza-Atkins's vision is centered on closing the urban-rural divide by showing up in rural communities and implementing practical economic relief for farmers hit by rising tariffs, fuel costs, and healthcare cuts. He advocates for balancing support between corporate agriculture and independent family farms through scaled compliance for Best Management Practices (BMPs), low-interest microloans in partnership with institutions like Farm Credit of Florida, and targeted veterinary loan repayment incentives to support rural practitioners.

"Florida cannot maintain a strong agricultural economy if independent family farms are priced out or forced to sell to developers," Capece said. "Joey recognizes that protecting our food security requires expanding capital access for the next generation of farmers, supporting smart growth on brownfields, and scaling programs like the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program to keep land in production."

Mendoza-Atkins also highlighted workforce stability and farm labor protections, emphasizing that a secure food supply relies on modernizing the H-2A visa program, establishing earned legal status for experienced agricultural workers, and eliminating historical exclusions to guarantee standard minimum wage and overtime pay. His platform supports heat illness prevention standards, safe housing, and collective bargaining rights.

Addressing environmental standards, Mendoza-Atkins advocates for a framework of accountability that aligns environmental health with farm profitability. He supports outcome-based verification – MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) using remote sensing and soil testing—to ensure public conservation funding yields measured runoff reductions rather than baseline subsidies. To level the playing field for Florida producers competing against foreign operations with lax rules, he supports exploring Border Carbon/Environmental Adjustments alongside direct-to-consumer programs like Buy "Fresh From Florida" and Farmers Feeding Florida.

"Joey’s approach ensures that public investments in conservation deliver verifiable results for Florida’s ecosystems while keeping our domestic producers competitive," Capece said. "He understands that outcome-based metrics and targeted cost-share assistance are essential to protecting our water bodies without harming farm margins."

Mendoza-Atkins also called for proactive, early-detection strategies for invasive pests and diseases using the Florida Plant Diagnostic Network, local extension offices, and public reporting tools. He supports climate-smart practices such as cover cropping, conservation tillage, and precision drip irrigation, backed by county UF/IFAS extension agents and specialized Climate and Carbon Extension Educators (C2E2) to help producers access carbon credit markets.

"Addressing citrus greening, extreme weather events, and emerging agricultural threats requires dynamic, science-driven leadership," Capece added. "Joey supports aggressive public-private R&D investments, modernized agricultural education, and merit-based agency staffing focused on proven expertise in water policy, pest control, and consumer protection."

"The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus is proud to endorse Joey Mendoza-Atkins for Commissioner of Agriculture," Capece said. "We believe he brings the legal acumen, policy depth, and commitment to rural Florida needed to lead the department effectively."

About Joey Mendoza-Atkins

Joey Mendoza-Atkins holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Management and Economic Development. Over a 20-year career across the legal, public, private, and non-profit sectors, he has led policy initiatives with the United Nations Global Compact, provided direct legal aid to Florida migrant agricultural workers, and represented Florida families in civil litigation. His campaign for Commissioner of Agriculture emphasizes closing the rural economic deficit, expanding access to capital for independent farmers, modernizing farm labor protections, protecting Florida’s winter food supply, and promoting data-driven environmental stewardship.

About FDAC

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus works within the Florida Democratic Party to advocate for the interests of rural communities, farmers, ranchers, agroforesters, aquaculturists, agricultural workers, and sustainable food systems across the Sunshine State. The Caucus's mission is to recruit, strengthen, and inform candidates and voters in support of farmers, rural communities, and a sustainable food system. FDAC endorses candidates it judges to be qualified to serve as evidenced by their record of prior service, and in the absence of such a record, based on interviews and responses to questionnaires. In some cases, this results in multiple endorsements in the same race.

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08/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 13, 2026
Contacts: John Capece, FDAC President, [email protected] 863-354-0554

FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC AGRICULTURAL CAUCUS
ENDORSES ANGIE NIXON FOR U.S. SENATE

LABELLE, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) officially announced its endorsement of Florida State Representative Angie Nixon for the United States Senate
ahead of the August 18, 2026, primary election.

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus selected Nixon after reviewing her detailed responses to the Caucus's questionnaire addressing the future of Florida agriculture, rural communities, food security, farm labor, environmental protection, climate resilience, and agricultural research and innovation.

Nixon's responses demonstrated a clear understanding that Florida's agricultural future cannot be separated from the future of its rural communities, water resources, working families, and natural
environment. She emphasized the need for Democrats to rebuild relationships with rural Floridians through year-round organizing, listening, investment, and practical policies that address the challenges farmers, farmworkers, small businesses, and rural families face every day.

"The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus is looking for leaders who understand that agriculture is not simply an industry—it is a foundation of our state's economy, environment, food security, and rural communities," said Dr. John Capece, FDAC President. "Angie Nixon understands that connection. Her responses demonstrate that she is prepared to listen to farmers and farmworkers, protect agricultural lands, invest in rural communities, and bring people together around practical solutions rather than treating rural Florida as an afterthought."

A central theme of Nixon's responses was the importance of protecting Florida's agricultural land as development pressures continue to grow. She supports stronger incentives for agricultural
conservation easements, responsible land-use planning, assistance for farmers who want to keep their land in production, and directing housing growth toward areas with existing infrastructure rather than allowing continued unchecked sprawl to consume productive farmland.

Nixon's questionnaire responses also addressed the essential role of Florida's farmworkers. She emphasized that a reliable food system depends upon a reliable agricultural workforce and called for fair wages, safe working conditions, protection from extreme heat and pesticide exposure, adequate housing and healthcare, strong wage-theft enforcement, and the right of workers to organize without retaliation.

She also expressed support for comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to citizenship while creating a stable agricultural workforce. Environmental stewardship and climate resilience were additional areas in which Nixon's responses
mirrored FDAC priorities. She supports helping farmers adopt practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, improved fertilizer management, rotational grazing, agroforestry, water
conservation, and renewable energy, while ensuring that such programs are economically practical.

Nixon also emphasized that environmental programs should produce measurable results, with clear performance standards, independent verification, transparent reporting, and accountability for public funds. She supports grants, affordable financing, and technical assistance to help producers implement precision fertilizer application, improved irrigation, runoff controls, water recycling, and other practices that protect Florida's water while maintaining farm profitability.

"Farmers should not have to choose between protecting Florida's water and keeping their farms economically viable," Capece said. "Angie's approach recognizes that environmental progress works
best when farmers have the resources, technology, and technical assistance to achieve it—and when public dollars are tied to demonstrated results."

As a state representative, Nixon has advocated for affordable housing, clean water, public education, healthcare, workers' rights, and accountable government. She has emphasized that these issues are deeply connected to the future of rural Florida, where families need affordable housing, accessible healthcare, strong schools, safe drinking water, reliable infrastructure, and good-paying jobs.

"The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus is proud to endorse Angie Nixon for the United States Senate," Capece said. "She understands that a strong agricultural economy requires strong rural communities, that food security requires protecting both farms and farmworkers, and that environmental resilience and economic opportunity must advance together.

About Angie Nixon

Angie Nixon is a lifelong Floridian and member of the Florida House of Representatives. Before entering the Legislature, she worked as a union organizer with SEIU Florida Public Services Union. Her public service has focused on affordable housing, clean water, public education, healthcare, workers' rights, voting rights, and accountable government.

About FDAC

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus works within the Florida Democratic Party to advocate for the interests of rural communities, farmers, ranchers, agroforesters, aquaculturists, agricultural
workers, and sustainable food systems across the Sunshine State. The Caucus's mission is to recruit, strengthen, and inform candidates and voters in support of farmers, rural communities, and a sustainable food system.

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08/13/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 12, 2026
Contacts: John Capece, FDAC President, [email protected] 863-354-0554
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FLORIDA DEMOCRATIC AGRICULTURAL CAUCUS
ENDORSES EARLE FORD FOR CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

LABELLE, FL — Today, the Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) officially announced its endorsement of Earle Ford for Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ahead of the August 18, 2026, primary election.

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus (FDAC) selected Ford after reviewing his plans to revitalize rural economies, protect family-owned farms from urban sprawl, and integrate fiscal strategy with environmental resilience. Ford, an attorney, U.S. Army Airborne Infantry veteran, and former federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax watchdog, makes him uniquely qualified to act as an aggressive financial watchdog for all Floridians navigating the state's crushing property insurance and consumer cost crises.

"Our caucus looks for leaders who treat all Florida's communities as essential partners, particularly in protecting our economic security," said Dr. John Capece, FDAC President. "Earle Ford understands the financial squeeze facing everyday Floridians. Whether it is a small family farmer being pushed to liquidate land due to complex tax burdens, or a homeowner watching their property insurance premium double, Floridians are getting priced out of their own state. Between his background holding the powerful accountable at the IRS and his experience enforcing the law as a prosecutor, Earle has the precise legal toolkit needed to protect our pockets and our future.”

In his detailed questionnaire responses to the FDAC, Ford outlined a vision that leverages the CFO's seat on the Florida Cabinet to aggressively expand the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program (RFLPP). He advocated for using agricultural conservation easements to inject vital capital directly into rural communities, helping generational small-scale farmers monetize their land's development rights without being forced to liquidate assets due to tax burdens. “Earle Ford has a plan to help keep working lands in active production and serving as key elements of our environmental solutions, including water quality and climate," said Capece.

“Earle understands that the challenges facing 2026 Florida agriculture require rapid advances in AgTech, precision farming, and multi-year, insulated public R&D funding for institutions like the University of Florida's IFAS," Dr. Capece added. "He stands ready to run an office driven by ground-level reality, data, and absolute transparency. We are proud to endorse his campaign to protect Florida’s taxpayers and rural heritage."

Expanding on his vision for statewide consumer protection, Ford has committed to transforming the Department of Financial Services into a true champion for the public. On day one, Ford plans to propose a Policyholder Bill of Rights to inject transparency into the broken insurance market. He has pledged to aggressively enforce the state's underutilized Insurer Accountability Law, audit insurance carrier insolvency, and establish a dedicated Florida Insurance Victim Fund to compensate homeowners who have suffered from systemic bad-faith denials and carrier abandonment. Furthermore, Ford’s consumer platform includes expanding the mandate of the Office of Financial Regulation to crack down on undisclosed predatory "junk fees" and predatory lending that target working families.

About Earle Ford

Earle Ford is a husband, father of two young sons, and a veteran of the U.S. Army's Airborne Infantry. He has served his community as a local prosecutor and worked in the federal service with the IRS Estate and Gift Tax Program, where he handled high-stakes financial compliance. His campaign focuses on lowering soaring property insurance costs, rooting out corruption, and securing long-term economic and environmental stability for Florida families. To learn more, visit his official campaign site at EarleForCFO.com.

About FDAC

The Florida Democratic Agricultural Caucus works within the Florida Democratic Party to advocate for the interests of rural communities, farmers, ranchers, agroforesters, aquaculturists, agricultural workers, and sustainable food systems across the Sunshine State.

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07/29/2026

Amanda Green, candidate for Florida Congressional District 2 (Tallahassee) is interviewed by Lee Perry. They discuss a range of issues, including agriculture and rural priorities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFSE2duouo