Here's a question: Florida produces what percentage of the fresh vegetables grown in the United States January through March? The surprising answer is at the end of the article.
While tourism and construction have always been considered growth industries in the state, most of us can agree that a steady economic catalyst like agriculture can continue to support local economies during economic down swings. Once you place a structure on the land, it is tied up. Agriculture lands can continue to produce year after year.
Florida has a rich agricultural heritage that continues to prosper. With cash receipts totaling $6.97 billion, Florida ranks ninth in overall farm cash receipts among U.S. states. However, while Florida is a leading state in production, it only ranks 23 in number of farms among states. This means Florida farmers are some of the most efficient and productive in the country.
In 2007 farm cash receipts showed Florida produced 56 percent of the nation's snap beans and more than 30 percent of the nation's bell peppers, tomatoes, watermelons, and cucumbers. Florida farmers in 2006 produced 126 million boxes of oranges or 3.2 billion glasses of orange juice.
And, during winter, Florida produces 80 percent of the nation's fresh vegetables. Encourage local farming, vote to conserve green spaces and look for locally produced foods in support of sustainable agriculture practices.