LABELLE — Florida SouthWestern State College is expanding educational opportunities in one of Southwest Florida’s most important industries with the launch this fall of new agriculture courses at the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle.

The initiative is giving students in the Florida Heartland region a local pathway to explore precision agriculture, agribusiness, soil science and emerging agricultural technologies while learning both in the classroom and through hands-in-the-dirt experiences in the field. Additional courses are planned for spring 2027.

“Agriculture looks very different today than it did a generation ago,” said Dr. Henry Akwah, director of Agricultural Technology and Supply Chain Management at FSW. “Modern agriculture increasingly relies on continuous education and awareness, along with the integration of precision agriculture concepts that combine traditional agricultural knowledge with modern technologies such as geographic information systems, artificial intelligence, sensors, drones and data analytics.”

The new offerings come at a pivotal time for Florida agriculture. Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has recognized 2026 as Florida’s “Year of the Farmer,” highlighting the essential role farmers play in the state’s economy and food supply. The state has also committed significant investment to protecting working agricultural lands, including $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.

For FSW, the launch reflects the college’s broader commitment to workforce development and to responding directly to the needs of the communities it serves. “Workforce readiness is at the heart of this initiative,” said Dr. Martin McClinton, associate vice president of Academic Affairs at FSW.

 “Agriculture is changing, and employers need people who understand both the fundamentals of the industry and the technology and business practices that are shaping its future. By offering these courses locally, we are giving students in this region an opportunity to build those skills close to home and prepare for the workforce needs of our region.”

The Hendry/Glades region serves as the agricultural heart of Southwest Florida, where agriculture remains a major economic driver. By bringing agriculture courses to LaBelle, FSW is helping create new pathways for students while supporting the skilled workforce needed to sustain and advance the industry.

 Faculty and students are available for interviews to discuss the new agriculture courses, the hands-on learning experiences and how the initiative is preparing students for careers in modern agriculture.

To learn more, visit www.fsw.edu/news/20261015-aginitiative and FSW AG Courses.

About Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW)

Florida SouthWestern State College serves nearly 20,000 students in Southwest Florida and around the world, offering a career-focused affordable pathway to higher education. With campuses in Fort Myers, Naples, and Punta Gorda, a center in LaBelle, and FSW Online, students are provided a broad range of academic opportunities. These include 29 associate degrees and six bachelor’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as nursing, education, technology, and public safety, as well as workforce certifications, continuing education, and study abroad experiences. FSW fosters a dynamic campus environment that prepares graduates to thrive both locally and globally.