News Updates
Agriculture in Florida is Growing
March 9, 2009
Quincy, Fla. - (This is summarized from an article in the Tallahassee Democrate and based onthe USDA agricultural cencus.)
According to Charles Bronson - Commissioner of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Florida agriculturee is growing,; and in ways you may not expect. Here are the specifics:
- During the last 5 years, the number of farms and ranches increased by 8%.
- The largest area of growth was small farms - an increase of 7% so now there are about 70% of all farms in Florida with 50 acres or less.
- Minority ownership of farms increased by 26%
- The market value of agriculture products from Florida in 2007 was $7.8 billion; largest ever.
- Total agriculture industry impact is estimated to be about $100 billion per year
- Agricultural operations and business provided about $3 billion to local, county and state governments in taxes.
And all this happened during a 5 year period marked by foreign competition, eight hurricanes, and increases in desease and pest problems.