Explore the Everglades Agricultural Area

 

The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a unique and fascinating place to visit, if you have an interest in agriculture. Although most of the EAA is in Palm Beach County, this area extends to Martin, Hendry, Glades counties with about 1,160 square miles of highly productive land. This agricultural oasis located south and southeast of Lake Okeechobee was originally part of the natural Everglades system but has been drained and made suitable for agricultural production on organic muck soil.

The main crops grown in the EAA, for which Florida is the top (or major) producer include sugar cane, rice, sweet corn, lettuce, cabbage, green beans, celery, and radish. Altogether, these crops generate more than $11 billion in sales and support more than 118,000 jobs in Palm Beach County alone.

While most of the country is coverd with snow, the EAA is one of the most important sources of fresh vegetables available to all American families. Producers are aware of this responsibility and because of the fragility of the organic soils present in the EAA, they are committed to environmental stewardship (organic soils in the EAA subside between 1 to 1.2 inches per year). The adoption of Best Management Practices and precision agriculture has aided tremendously in our producers’ efforts to reduce phosphorous, and protect natural resources.

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Sources:

EEA Farmers 2018 Pre-Harvest Celebration

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U.S. Geological Service – Florida Everglades