Polk County’s Higher Education Institutions Fuel Talent Pipeline for Agriculture Industry
Polk County is cultivating a robust pipeline of qualified talent to support its vital and evolving agricultural sector. This is greatly in thanks to strong partnerships between higher education and industry.
Prepared by the CFDC and published by the Central Florida Media Group in Central Florida Ag News.
At the forefront is Warner University in Lake Wales, offering a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies. Located in the heart of citrus country, Warner blends classroom learning with hands-on experience in its on-campus pastures and greenhouses. Students gain valuable insights through field trips to the Florida Department of Agriculture and local agribusinesses, building connections that often lead to internships and job placements.
Florida Southern College has a long history in agriculture and is home to the Thomas B. Mack Citrus Archives Digital Collections at the McKay Archives and the Citrus Hall of Fame.
FSC recently updated its science-focused Citrus and Horticulture degree to the business-oriented Horticulture, Land and Resource Management major, which focuses on environmental issues and land management. The revamped major supports the changing nature of agriculture, which is focusing more and more on technology to reduce the need for pesticides, fertilizers and as much water.
Supporting disciplines are taught across Polk’s five other higher education institutions. Keiser University, Florida Polytechnic University, Polk State College, Southeastern University, and Webber International University are producing engineers, accountants, data scientists, and other professionals essential to modern agriculture.
Polk County offers an ideal setting for students and graduates alike. It has a competitive cost of living, a place to start and raise a family, amenities that range from fine dining to theme parks, parks and golf courses galore, and much more. We welcome students to stay here or come to Polk County, where opportunities abound.
The CFDC works closely with our educational institutions and the companies their graduates gravitate toward for jobs. We can help you, too. Learn more at www.cfdc.org or call 863-937-4430. Opportunity grows here.
