Florida’s Agriculture-Related Jobs Jump 8.7%
September 11, 2015 There’s good news on the agriculture employment front in Florida, according to a newly released UF/IFAS economic report. About 1.52 million people worked full- or part-time in the Sunshine State’s agriculture, natural resources, and food industries in 2013, an 8.7% jump in jobs over 2012.
That figure accounts for 14.3% of the state’s workforce, and reflects a 19.7% employment increase since 2001, according to the report, led by UF/IFAS Extension scientist Alan Hodges.
Agriculture, natural resources, and their related industries in the state account for $148.5 billion in sales revenue, the report said. Regional multiplier effects add 633,942 jobs and $83.64 billion to agriculture’s impact on Florida’s economy.
“It’s new money from outside sources that’s circulating in Florida’s economy,” Hodges said. The value-added impacts represent 15.4% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product.
At nearly $9 billion in industry output impacts, forestry and forest product manufacturing make up the biggest commodity sector of Florida’s agricultural economy. Next is environmental horticulture – the nursery, greenhouse, and landscaping industries – and third is fruits and vegetables, including citrus.
Many people do not realize the impact of agriculture and food industries on Florida’s economy, Hodges said. “In terms of employment, it is actually the biggest employer in the state.”
Click here to read the entire report.
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