In the world of ag lending, we make it our business to understand the economic climate. Things are looking up for Florida agriculture according to a recent study conducted by UF’s Food and Resource Economics Department. Combining agricultural, natural resources, and associated food industries, the state brought in an impressive $104 billion in 2011, the study shows. Since then, Florida’s agricultural impact has only continued to increase and strengthen.[emember_protected custom_msg=”Click here and register now to read the rest of the article!”]
Which industries are responsible for this positive impact? Industries including crop, livestock, forestry, and fishery productions; agricultural product and service providers; food product manufacturers; forest product manufacturers; food distribution centers; mining; and nature-based recreation parks are all responsible for Florida’s agricultural turn around.
Plus, this economic boon from Florida’s agricultural industries is greatly fueling the job sector. In 2011, there were approximately two million full-time and part-time employees in the agricultural sector. This number accounted for 20 percent of all jobs in Florida. From 2010 to 2011, the number of employment opportunities in the Florida agriculture industry increased by 4.4 percent.
This study paints an overall promising picture of what’s currently going on in Florida’s agricultural and economic climate. All signs point to an effective recovery from the 2008 recession and the continuation of agricultural growth and strength.
Now that Florida’s agricultural industries are once again stable and expanding, now is a good economic climate to tap into the industry, especially the industries that are really generating a positive impact.
CREDITS
column by LEIGH ANN WYNN
BIO: Leigh Ann Wynn is the director of marketing and business development for Bankers South. Adding mortgage loan originator to her title, Leigh Ann is actively working with the AgAmerica Lending Program by Bankers South. As an active member of the ag community and a seventh generation Floridian, Leigh Ann has the lay of the land and is here to answer your questions. She can be reached at leighann@bankerssouth.com.
This column is sponsored by Bankers South.[/emember_protected]
