Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services

Agriculture is second only to tourism as the top industry in Florida with an 87.6 billion dollar impact on the economy including the indirect and induced multiplier effects.  More than 280 crops are grown here and with its year round growing season, Florida provides a rich variety of the nation’s winter fruits and vegetables; including more than 50% of the tangerines, oranges and grapefruit consumed.  Additionally, Florida has agricultural trade with 100 nations around the world, generating around $1.3 billion in cash receipts annually.

Florida ranks 9th nationally in the value of farm products, with 2004 cash receipts of $7.11 billion, and No. 2 nationally in production of fresh vegetables with cash receipts of $1.46 billion. Florida leads the U.S. in the sale of five fresh vegetables:  snap beans, bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and squash.

Florida is world renowned for its sweet, juicy and tasty oranges and citrus is a 9.5 billion dollar economic engine for the state.  However, many people do not realize it is actually the second largest agriculture sector in the Sunshine state.  The nursery industry is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Exploding population growth has resulted in unparalleled development, creating a huge market for ferns and other ornamentals.  But that same development boon has also had a negative impact on farming.  The risks faced by farmers, from hurricanes to pests and disease coupled with skyrocketing land values have pressured many to sell their property.  However, many continue a long family tradition of working the land and there are still about 42,500 working farms in Florida utilizing more than 10 million of the states nearly 35 million acres.

In addition, Florida's Thoroughbred industry has produced 41 North American champions, 86 equine millionaires, 18 Breeder Cup and 19 Classic winners, including 1978 Triple Crown-winner "Affirmed."

Florida livestock production is a major contributor to the nation's supply of beef, poultry, eggs, and milk. Florida's livestock industry had record gross receipts of over $1.5 billion in 2004.

Florida ranks third in states east of the Mississippi River, and 12th nationally in the production of beef calves, supplying 952,000 head a year for Midwest feedlots. Florida's beef cattle had sales of more than $443 million in 2004.

Florida dairies supplied almost 2.25 billion pounds of milk in 2004 with a value of $432 million. Florida's chicken and eggs receipts in 2004 were $369 million, of which broiler receipts accounted for $208 million.

Visit the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services website for more information.

http://doacs.state.fl.us