Winter Farming in Florida: Profit Ripe for the Picking

By Hakeem Holmes ^[1], NCAT Sustainable Agriculture Specialist 

Florida is known for being the Sunshine State, attracting millions of visitors each year to its theme parks, beaches, fishing excursions, and other attractions. Florida’s sunshine is the major factor for propelling not only tourism but also the second-largest industry in the state: agriculture. After Florida’s farmers harvest a wide array of summer crops, the fields do not lie dormant for long. In Florida, we call the winter growing season the “second season” of agriculture. Unlike much of the United States, where farming slows or halts during winter due to cold temperatures and snow, Florida’s mild climate allows for year-round cultivation. The second season typically runs from late fall through early spring, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and ample sunshine. This period is ideal for growing crops that thrive in cooler weather, including leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, and blueberries.

Farmers here turn that Florida sunshine into profit during the winter months, especially in Florida’s expansive frost-free zone, where temperatures rarely dip below freezing and crops are safe from frost damage. Florida is located in USDA plant hardiness zones 8-11, with zones 10 and 11 considered frost-free.

The big five cash crops for winter in Florida are leafy greens, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers, and blueberries. The good news for small-scale growers in Florida is that these winter cash crops can be profitable on limited acreage. These crops have many benefits for small-scale growers in Florida due to high demand in winter months, extended harvest, local market opportunities, and versatility of the use for these commodities.

Leafy Greens:

• Low Startup Costs: Leafy greens require minimal investment in seeds and can often be grown in smaller plots or even containers.
• Quick Turnaround: Many varieties, such as collards and kale, mature rapidly and can be ready for harvest within three months. After the first harvest, leaves will grow back on individual plants two to three times before the plant no longer is viable, allowing for multiple harvests within a season and a faster return on investment.
• Local Market Appeal: Consumers are increasingly seeking out fresh, locally grown greens, making them a popular choice for farmers markets and CSAs.
• Value-Added Potential: Small farmers can create additional income streams by selling pre-washed, bagged mixes, or even offering “cut-your-own” experiences on their farms.

Strawberries:

• High Demand: Strawberries are a beloved fruit with consistent demand, especially for locally grown, seasonal varieties.
• Premium Pricing: Due to their perishable nature and limited winter availability, strawberries often command higher prices than other fruits.
• Agritourism Potential: “U-Pick” strawberry farms can be a popular attraction, offering additional revenue through entrance fees and on-site sales.
• Diversification: Strawberries complement other crops well, adding diversity to a small farm’s offerings and attracting a broader customer base.

Tomatoes:

• Versatile Crop: Tomatoes can be sold fresh, used for canning or sauce-making, or even processed into other products, offering flexibility for small farmers.
• Heirloom Varieties: Growing unique heirloom tomatoes can differentiate a small farm’s offerings and attract customers seeking specialty varieties.
• Culinary Appeal: Chefs and home cooks value fresh, flavorful tomatoes, making them a sought-after ingredient for restaurants and farmers markets.
• Extended Season: With careful variety selection and succession planting, small farmers can extend their tomato harvest and income potential.

Bell Peppers:

• Variety: The diverse range of colors and flavors (sweet, mild, or hot) allows small farmers to cater to different consumer preferences and create niche products.
• Year-Round Potential: In warmer regions of Florida, bell peppers can be grown year-round, providing a consistent income source for small farmers.
• Storage and Preservation: Peppers can be stored for longer periods than leafy greens, reducing the pressure to sell quickly and allowing for value-added processing.
• Visual Appeal: Their vibrant colors make them an eye-catching addition to farmers markets and farm stands, attracting customers and boosting sales.

Blueberries:

• Perennial Crop: Blueberries are a perennial plant, meaning they produce for multiple years, reducing replanting costs and providing a reliable income stream for small farmers.
• Health Benefits: Their reputation as a superfood with numerous health benefits is appealing to health-conscious consumers.
• Value-Added Opportunities: Blueberries can be used in a wide range of products like jams, baked goods, and smoothies, creating additional revenue streams.
• Pick-Your-Own: Similar to strawberries, blueberries are well-suited for “U-Pick” operations, offering a fun and engaging experience for customers while providing additional income for the farm.

Choosing the right market for your products is essential to minimizing risk and creating a stable income stream. Here are some potential markets to consider:

• Local Farmers Markets: Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets ^[2] allow farmers to build relationships with customers, receive valuable feedback, and often command premium prices for their fresh produce.
• Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs: CSAs provide a steady income source for farmers ^[3] and offer consumers a share of the harvest throughout the season. This fosters a sense of community and shared risk between farmers and their customers.
• Restaurants and Grocery Stores: Selling to restaurants ^[4] and local grocery stores can open larger sales volumes and provide a consistent outlet for produce.
• Online Platforms and Social Media: Utilizing online platforms and social media to reach customers directly or through online farmers markets can expand a farm’s reach and connect with new audiences.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services allows farmers of all sizes to participate in their marketing efforts to promote Florida grown products and produce by becoming a “Fresh from Florida” farmer. A “Fresh from Florida” label on your packaging will help distinguish your product, especially if you’re planning to sell to the wider out-of-state market. Potential consumers will identify your product with this label as locally grown, fresh and seasonal, and of high quality.

An additional consideration for winter farming in Florida is that since the land is in almost constant rate of use, it is important to implement sustainable planting, growing, and harvesting methods whenever possible. Crop rotation enhances soil fertility, minimizes erosion, disrupts pest and disease cycles, and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. It is beneficial to rotate between a nitrogen-fixing legume crop (like beans or peas) and a heavy nitrogen-feeding crop (like leafy greens or tomatoes). The legumes replenish nitrogen in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers while also improving soil structure and reducing pest and disease pressure.

Florida’s winter sun shines brightly on a world of opportunity for farmers. The “second season” of agriculture isn’t just about extending the harvest – it’s about embracing a unique advantage that sets Florida apart. With strategic crop choices, sustainable practices, and savvy marketing, Florida farmers can capitalize on the demand for fresh, local produce during the winter months while most farmland is under a blanket of snow. The opportunity for increased income, diversified crops, and a thriving agricultural community is ripe for the picking. So, don’t let your fields lie dormant – take advantage of Florida’s sunshine, fertile soil, and eager consumers, and start planning your winter harvest today!

Related ATTRA Resources:

Cover Crop Options for Hot and Humid Areas ^[5]

Tips for Selling at Farmers Markets ^[2]

Tips for Selling Through CSAs – Community Supported Agriculture ^[3]

Tips for Selling to Restaurants ^[4]

This blog is produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through the ATTRA Sustainable Agriculture program, under a cooperative agreement with USDA Rural Development. ATTRA.NCAT.ORG.