While our articles are usually centered on the home gardener, I thought it would be fun to explore gardening on a BIG scale – the agricultural industry in Florida. As you consider agriculture, you probably picture citrus groves or cattle grazing in open spaces. But in Florida, agriculture is big business; the economic impact of agriculture is second only to the tourist industry, providing more than $160 billion in economic activity annually. Florida agriculture provides not only food, raw materials and horticultural products, but represents 20% of all jobs in our state.

Florida is the country’s number one source of oranges, tomatoes, watermelons, grapefruit, sugarcane, snap beans and cucumbers, and ranks second in production for bell peppers, strawberries, sweet corn, spring potatoes, peanuts, tangerines and avocadoes.

In fact, South Florida is America’s “Winter Garden” producing 70% of all vegetables consumed in the eastern U.S. from November through April! Florida’s citrus crops generate 70% of the U.S. citrus supply worth nearly $9 billion annually and employs more than 76,000 Floridians. Sugarcane is Florida’s most valuable field crop with annual sales of $1 billion. More than 450,000 acres of sugarcane provide 50% of U.S. sugar cane and 25% of the world-wide supply.

Cattle also plays a major role in our agricultural industry; Florida ranks 10th in the production of beef cattle in the U.S. with sales of over $900 million annually. In addition, Florida is home to more than 100,000 dairy cows which produce over 2 billion pounds of raw milk annually with sales in excess of $400 million. Most of these dairy products are consumed in-state, ensuring a fresh supply of goods with minimal transportation costs. Almost half of all Florida agricultural land is engaged in cattle production, with 3.2 million acres of pastureland and 1.3 million acres of grazed woodland. In addition to housing cattle, these working ranches preserve native plant systems and provide valuable wildlife habitats.

Forestry is also a significant contributor to Florida’s agricultural industry, with nearly 17 million acres of forestland in public and private ownership in the state. More than 124,000 Floridians are employed in the forestry industry, which infuses $25 billion into the state’s economy annually. And the sector of the agricultural industry that we are most familiar with, horticulture products that we use in our gardens, is another major contributor to our economy. Florida is the second largest producer of ornamental horticulture products behind California. Sales of sod, nursery products, trees, shrubs and landscaping services amount to more than $12 billion and contribute 250,000 jobs in the state.

Honeybees also contribute $120 million annually to our agricultural profile; Florida ranks 4th in honey production in the U.S. Beekeeping is also an important aspect of our agricultural system; commercial pollination services are provided for one third of Florida’s crops.

Did you realize that Florida produces 90% of the tropical fish that are sold in pet stores around the U.S.? Over 200 farms produce more than 800 different species of tropical fish, which generate $120 million in sales each year. And our 2,270 miles of shoreline and 11,000 miles of waterways support our thriving seafood industry, providing almost 14,000 jobs and $730 million in income annually.

The benefits of agriculture extend beyond the actual crops and products produced by the industry. More than $13 billion in revenues are paid to local, state and federal governments through taxes on production and imports. And there are intangible benefits provided by Florida agriculture; native plant systems and wildlife thrive on the state’s farms, ranches and forests. These resources assist in efforts to conserve wildlife by providing food and habitat for hundreds of species.

“Agritainment” combines our two primary economic forces (tourism and agriculture) to increase the value of farms and agricultural land and to expand recreational opportunities. And unlike the northern parts of Florida which utilize the Floridan aquifer, much of the rest of the state relies on superficial aquifers which are fed during the rainy season. Our vast agricultural lands and green spaces filter and replenish these water supplies.

Are you as surprised as I was to learn about the incredible impact of agriculture in our beautiful state? When we consider agriculture, we certainly think of crops and the abundance of fresh produce we enjoy year-round in our markets. But as you’ve now learned, agriculture in Florida is BIG business, providing not only food but jobs, revenue, taxes and a strong ecological base for continued growth.

Cathy Dunn is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com.