Florida Avocado Industry The Florida avocado industry is the state’s second-largest fruit industry (behind citrus) Worth between US $12 to $15 million a year at the farm gate and US $30 million at the wholesale end of the market Approximately 85% of the crop is sold outside of the production area

Florida Avocado Industry Overall economic impact of approximately US $54 million per annum 7,500 bearing acres; about 60% of the total tropical fruit crop acreage More than 90% of the estimated 950 growers have orchards that are less than 15 acres 35 registered handlers and shippers

Florida Avocado Growers depend on the sale of avocados to supplement their incomes Packing houses depend on the fruit to ensure that their operations remain financially viable Avocado orchards provide many non-food benefits retention of open space/landscaping recreation/relaxation wildlife habitats canopy cover carbon sequestration