Florida fall produce season off to a strong start despite early weather challenges
Florida fall produce season off to a strong start despite early weather challenges
After a wet start to the season, Florida’s fall crops are rebounding under the state’s signature sunshine, and growers across the region report favorable conditions heading into the final quarter of 2025. From Homestead to Belle Glade, fields are once again full of sweet corn, green beans, Bell peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens, which are making their way from farm to market under the trusted Fresh From Florida banner.
While early rains brought some concerns for yield, the mild temperatures that followed have set up an ideal environment for steady growth and strong quality.
Susie McKinley, director of the division of marketing and development for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, noted the state’s fall crops are aided by warm, mild conditions that extend the growing season in a normal year.
The fall season is among Florida’s most diverse agricultural periods, with a long list of fruits and vegetables entering harvest. Key crops include sweet corn, Bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, avocados, carrots, radishes, squash and green beans. Fall also marks the beginning of the state’s citrus harvest, with early varieties of oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit and the first signs of leafy greens like romaine, as well as the opening wave of Florida’s famous strawberries.
“Fall is one of our most diverse growing periods, with everything from citrus to leafy greens coming into harvest,” McKinley said. “Florida’s favorable climate and year-round growing capabilities ensure a consistent and high-quality harvest.”
According to state data, Florida ranks among the nation’s top producers of several key specialty crops, leading the U.S. in the production of oranges, grapefruit, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers and Bell peppers during the fall and winter months. The agriculture industry remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy, contributing more than $160 billion annually and supporting over two million jobs statewide.
This fall, the department is running a broad marketing campaign that includes television, radio, and digital advertising as well as in-store promotions through the Retail Incentive Program. The initiative supplies participating stores with branded displays, recipe cards and social media assets to highlight Florida-grown products at the point of sale. With 1.4 million social media followers, Fresh From Florida has also become a major digital driver for produce awareness, reaching audiences nationwide with recipes, farmer profiles and seasonal updates.
For Florida-based grower-shippers like Southern Specialties, the state’s strong agricultural infrastructure and proximity to key transportation hubs continue to provide an advantage.
“We grow in the Americas, and Florida remains an essential part of that network,” said Charlie Eagle, vice president of business and development for the Pompano Beach, FL-based company. “The ports of Miami and Everglades allow us to move product efficiently and get it to 80 percent of the U.S. within two days.”
He noted that weather remains an unpredictable factor but said his company expects solid supplies heading into the holiday season.
“Weather is always a factor this time of year, but we expect solid supplies heading into the holidays,” he said. “Our investments in cold chain and packaging continue to strengthen our green bean program.”
Sustainability and crop rotation are also key considerations for the company.
“When we consider new products, we weigh not only market demand but how those crops help maintain field health for future seasons,” Eagle said.
As fall progresses, collaboration and branding remain central to Florida’s success. With consistent crop quality, expanding distribution networks, and continued consumer trust, fall produce from Florida will continue to thrive.
