Florida produce markets stretch out in the sunshine

Florida’s produce industry includes 9,729 fruit and vegetable farms, spanning nearly 850,000 acres across the state. These producers have an enormous economic impact, to the tune of more than $12 billion annually, and much of their bounty is disbursed through a solid network of receivers and distributors from east to west and north to south.

With a robust statewide farmers market system, both public and privately-owned, the Sunshine State dishes out premium produce to both wholesalers, retailers, and consumers across the state, the entire Southeast, and across the globe.

Florida lays claim to 12 official State Farmers Markets, all operated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Since the first one opened in 1935, these markets have sold nearly a billion units of fresh fruits and vegetables valued at more than $5.5 billion.

Here’s a geographical breakdown of Florida’s highly successful network of state markets. Each market varies in size and offerings, with some open just a few months of the year.

North Florida farmers markets

West Florida farmers markets

Southeast Florida farmers markets

This is an excerpt from the most recent Produce Blueprints quarterly journal. Click here to read the full article.