Florida Agriculture Rings Up Record $4.2 Billion In International Sales

By Growing Produce Staff|April 13, 2015

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam announced that international exports of Fresh From Florida products increased last year to $4.2 billion, an all-time record. This is the third year in a row that Florida exports have exceeded $4 billion.

“International demand continues to rise for Fresh From Florida fruits, vegetables and other commodities, and we reached an all-time high in 2014,” said Putnam.

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ export report, Florida’s $4.2 billion in agricultural exports last year generated a total economic impact of more than $13 billion and supported more than 109,000 jobs.

Florida exports agricultural products to about 160 countries and territories each year. Canada continues to be the leading destination, receiving almost a quarter of exports, followed by the Bahamas, the Netherlands, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The fastest growing major markets include Colombia, South Korea, Mexico, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.

The state’s leading export commodities include meat, fruit, vegetables, juice and nuts. Orange juice is the state’s number one export. The state continues to be a leader in exporting grapefruit, strawberries, watermelons, blueberries, tomatoes, peppers, and snap beans.