Due to its warm climate, rich soil, and sufficient sun and rainfall, Florida currently provides more than a third of the nation’s oranges and grapefruits, half its fresh market tomatoes, and a significant portion of bell peppers, watermelon, strawberries, sweet corn, and other produce.
“In the United States, it’s one of the only places producing fresh fruits and vegetables in wintertime to supply the whole nation,” says Zhengfei Guan, an agricultural economist at the University of Florida who was not involved with the report but has studied the state’s agricultural industry.
The loss of so much farmland, projected to occur in numerous counties throughout the state, has implications for the widespread availability and safety of winter produce, along with the ability of the U.S. to ensure a stable food supply.
Agriculture is often treated similarly to other products when it comes to trade policy, but it shouldn’t be, Guan says.
“We can survive without an iPhone, but not without food. Food security is of paramount importance for a sovereign nation,” he says.