Florida: Sunshine through the storms

Although they often face a deluge of challenges, Florida growers and suppliers maintain their optimistic outlook.

Home to 825 miles of sandy beaches surrounded by balmy coastal waters teeming with marine life, it’s no wonder the Sunshine State is a popular vacation destination for travelers across the globe. But long before it became a major tourism hub, Florida’s economy was powered by agriculture.

Today, the state’s growers and suppliers continue to serve up an array of fresh produce to customers across the state, region, nation, and beyond.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Florida is home to 44,400 commercial farms spanning 9.7 million acres. Top crops include oranges and grapefruit, watermelon, bell peppers, sweet corn, tomatoes, strawberries, and cabbage.  

Riding a Wave of Benefits

There are endless advantages to running a produce business in Florida, according to Jimmy Myrick, vice president of Edward L. Myrick Produce, Inc. BB #:111920, a receiver with facilities in Pompano Beach and Plant City.

“Florida is a good place to be,” he enthuses. “We have great local product we sell and ship all over the United States.”

Stewart Mann, vice president and general manager of Pioneer Growers Cooperative BB #:109915 in Belle Glade, adds that businesses in Florida enjoy not only its geography and climate, but an ever-expanding customer base.

“Florida has one of the fastest-growing populations and the longest growing season in the country. We can produce vegetables from fall, winter, and into spring, and we’re shipping all the way up the East Coast and into the Midwest and Europe.”

“We’re pretty excited about this year’s crop; quality looks outstanding on all varieties.”

Citrus on the Upswing

Over the last two decades, Florida’s citrus production has plunged, affected by natural disasters as well as disease, particularly Huanglongbing or citrus greening.

But things are looking up for the Sunshine State’s citrus. Researchers have been working on disease-resistant varieties, and some producers are using enclosures known as ‘citrus under protective screens,’ or CUPS, to help combat citrus greening and boost yields.

Derek Rodgers, director of sales and marketing with Florida Classic Growers, Inc. BB #:166989 in Dundee, says they’ve invested heavily in CUPS, and it’s paying off. “Our yields are four to five times higher in CUPS structures than outdoor-grown product,” he reports.

This year, the entire grapefruit crop was grown in CUPS. “We’re pretty excited about this year’s crop; quality looks outstanding on all varieties.”

Making a Splash with New Varieties

Like other areas, growers and suppliers are mixing things up with new products and varieties.

“Diversifying your product line is definitely a good thing,” remarks Myrick. “Ten years ago, we didn’t sell any strawberries; now we sell quite a few. We’re constantly looking to expand our products.”

Mann says Pioneer’s growers are also adding new commodities. “For 76 years, sweet corn, green beans, and cabbage have been our staples. But we’ve continued to evolve and listen to our customers, and we added a bell pepper program and cucumbers, squash, zucchini, and eggplant. And we’re now producing millions of boxes of broccoli a year.”

The cooperative also offers value-added products, including tray-packed corn, squash, and zucchini, bagged green beans and broccoli, and wrapped and bagged peppers. “That’s the next generation, trying to create convenience for the consumer,” Mann explains.

Florida Classic Growers is currently testing 30-plus citrus varieties as part of its CUPS project. “We have a two-acre test pod to see what thrives under CUPS because it’s such a different environment than outdoor,” Rodgers says. “So, we’re looking to diversify our offerings.”

“Our Florida customers recognize it, and I think everybody else in the country does too.”

Marketing and Branding

Going hand in hand with new product development is a way to get the word out and promote these items.

Sunshine State growers and distributors continue to reap value from the Fresh from Florida label, a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services program that promotes state-grown products.

“We’re a full supporter of the Fresh from Florida stamp on our products,” states Rodgers. “When our retail partners promote it, we absolutely see an increase in movement.”

Mann believes customers across nation are drawn to the label. “Our Florida customers recognize it, and I think everybody else in the country does too. It tells an important story to our customers.”

Weathering the Challenges

Of course, it hasn’t been all sun and fun for Florida producers and distributors. Most faced an onslaught of challenges, from extreme weather incidents and skyrocketing costs to food safety concerns.

“This year has been stressful,” Mann admits. “We’ve had increasing fuel and freight costs, which increases the cost of everything from seed to packaging materials to getting the actual product to the store.”

Rodgers echoes the same sentiment. “We’re doing our best to not to not pass it on to the customer. We know everyone’s grocery bill is much higher than they want it to be.”

For Pat Compres, co-president of Advance Customs Brokers International, LLC BB #:289411 in Miami, the fluctuating tariff climate continues to be a major issue.

“It’s hard for our customers to know what tariffs will be to plan out their upcoming season,” she notes. “As customs brokers, we put a lot of effort into being on top of the shifting tariff situation for our importers. This can affect their bottom line.”

“As customs brokers, we put a lot of effort into being on top of the shifting tariff situation for our importers.”

In the wake of the 2026 multistate cyclosporiasis outbreak, food safety is a heightened concern. The affected produce was imported and not from Florida, “But we still have to deal with the consequences,” says Mann.

He says Pioneer has been investing in food safety programs for more than a decade, and he considers it a non-negotiable for being in the perishables business.

While each new season ushers in a fresh set of obstacles, one challenge remains constant for Florida growers: Mother Nature.

“Weather is a wild card we can’t control,” Myrick confirms. “In Florida, you get freezes, hurricanes, and everything in between.”

“This past year, we had a very hard freeze, which affected much of the state’s crops,” Mann points out. “But our generational growers monitor for hurricanes and other weather events and adjust their plantings and varieties. They do everything they can to get the crop in the ground and keep people fed.”

A Bright Future

Despite waves of challenge, Florida growers and suppliers believe they’ll continue to weather each storm through determination and innovation.

This includes better and better news for the state’s famous citrus. “The future for Florida Classic Growers is very bright,” says Rodgers. “The CUPS projects have proven themselves, and we’re excited.”

Maria Bermudez, co-president of Advance Customs Brokers, reflects that confidence. “South Florida is a major gateway for produce, and we envision ongoing growth in the future.”

Myrick is on the same page. “I’m very optimistic,” he says. “Florida farmers are a proud bunch—they’ve been doing this a long time and want to continue doing it.”