April 17, 2019
The contributions of farming and ranching to the Sunshine State have been re-affirmed by the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture.
Just-released data show that Florida’s agricultural commodity sales generate $7.4 billion and support jobs valued at $1.4 billion each year.
The state’s climate and natural resources continue to make it an attractive location for food and fiber production. Farmers are devoting more land to agricultural production. Farm property has increased by nearly 200,000 acres since 2012.
Contrary to national trends, the number of farms in Florida continues an upward trend. Since 2002, that number has increased by 8% and remains stable at more than 47,500.
For more farm census data, visit https://www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus/.