Area Development
Village Farms International, a hydroponic grower, is relocating its headquarters to Lake Mary, Florida, a city of 11,450 residents, west of Sanford and north of the Orlando Metropolitan area.

The firm is no stranger to The Sunshine State, with its back office already located in Metro Orlando. Village Farms will expand its presence in Seminole County, moving its headquarters from New Jersey to Florida, and hiring up to 21 new positions.

"We are excited about moving our corporate headquarters into the Metro Orlando area. We anticipate a great deal of growth over the next several years and look forward to expanding and becoming an active member in the business community," said Mike DeGiglio, CEO of Village Farms International.

Seminole County, Enterprise Florida, Workforce Florida, State of Florida and the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission have all been partners in this project.

"Village Farm's choice to expand its operations in metro Orlando shows that Florida's pro-business focus is reaping great results," said Gray Swoope, president and CEO of Enterprise Florida Inc., the state's lead economic development organization. "Working with our business, economic development and community partners, we are succeeding in maintaining the atmosphere, talent and resources that can help companies grow and prosper."

"Seminole County is home to several company headquarters and we are thrilled to add Village Farms to that impressive list," said Seminole County Chairman Brenda Carey.

"We are glad Village Farms has found such success in Metro Orlando that they are expanding their existing presence and bringing their corporate headquarters to our region," said Rick Weddle, President and CEO of Metro Orlando Economic Development Corporation.

As an incentive Village Farms International, Inc. received an incentive package from the state of Florida and Seminole County worth approximately $147,000, with $29,400 coming from Seminole County and $117,600 from the State's Qualified Target Industry tax refund program.