Florida’s fall harvest is shaped by its unique subtropical climate, offering a variety of fruits that stand out in the U.S. market. Although recent hurricanes have posed challenges, testing the resilience of growers as they prepare for the season, the recent storm damage is currently being assessed.
The state’s climate provides ideal conditions for various fruits, making Florida a leader in fall produce. With insights from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Florida Citrus, The Packer explores the fall fruits that thrive in Florida, the economic significance of the season, trending produce and how inclement weather has impacted the industry.
Key fall fruits
Florida’s fall fruit lineup is led by citrus staples like oranges, tangerines and grapefruits, but it also includes tomatoes, watermelon and avocados. These fruits, suited to Florida’s climate, offer a rich diversity that meets a wide range of consumer preferences during the season.Of the state's key fall fruits, those harvested from September to November include citrus (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines), tomatoes, watermelon and avocado, said Susie McKinley, director of marketing and development for Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Florida vegetables harvested during fall months include cucumbers, bell peppers, snap beans, squash, sweet corn, eggplant and radishes. Additionally, December (or the beginning of winter) is the start of Florida strawberry season, McKinley said.
For citrus in particular, the Florida citrus harvest begins in early fall and includes red and white grapefruit, orange varieties such as hamlins, navels, tangerines and mandarins, said Katelynn Long, global marketing director for the Florida Department of Citrus.
Fall fruits important to state ag economy
Fall is a critical season for Florida’s agricultural economy, with fall fruits playing a major role in sustaining local farms and communities. The fall harvest drives economic growth and reinforces the state’s position as a key player in the national produce market.In 2022, total cash receipts for fall vegetables and fruits combined was $2,001,874,000, which is 22.5% of Florida’s total agricultural receipts, McKinley said.
Individually, citrus cash receipts for 2022 in Florida totaled $671,940,000; tomato cash receipts totaled $355,025,000; avocado cash receipts totaled $14,289,000; and watermelon cash receipts totaled $231,810,000, McKinley said.
Dr. Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research for the Florida Department of Citrus said the citrus industry is a major economic driver of the state and a supporter of the many small communities that make up citrus-growing regions.
“The citrus industry employs more than 33,000 people, provides an annual economic impact of $6.762 billion to the state and contributes hundreds of millions of dollars in tax revenues that help support Florida’s schools, roads and health care services," Zansler said.
Innovations and trends
This fall, certain fruits are capturing the attention of both retailers and consumers. Experts revealed what’s trending this season, innovations in the industry and how retailers can capitalize on these shifts.“University of Florida researchers have begun using artificial intelligence to help citrus growers better forecast their seasonal production," McKinley said. “Preliminary studies on the innovation found that their new method predicts yields with 98% accuracy.
“University of Florida researchers are also working with new varieties and cultivars of fruits and vegetables that will thrive and increase yield in Florida’s climate,” McKinley added.
Long said health trends are an important aspect of marketing as consumers continue to prioritize them.
“During this fall season, we continue to see consumers maintaining their interest in foods and beverages that not only taste good but are also good for them," Long said. "Going into cold and flu season, consumers are looking for foods and beverages like Florida orange juice, which is an excellent source of vitamin C to help support a healthy immune system.
“Another trend we see as we head into the holiday season is an increased interest in mocktails and nonalcoholic beverage options," Long added. "This topic has continued to grow as the sober-curious movement has gained traction, and we see it spike during times when social drinking is more common."
Hurricane effects
Recent hurricanes have impacted Florida’s fall fruit growers, who continue to work to ensure a successful fall season with the support of disaster relief programs.“Adverse weather is a common challenge Florida fall fruit growers face,” McKinley said. “Hurricane season runs through the fall season (September through November) and can have impacts across the entire state, potentially affecting growers in every county.”
McKinley said damage from this season's hurricanes is currently being assessed, adding that Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson has requested USDA disaster declarations for growers impacted by the storms. McKinley said the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program managed by the state is also offering interest-free loans for impacted industry members.
“Assessments are being conducted to determine the level of damage and fruit loss experienced by the industry, and we will not know the full extent until those have been completed," Long said.