A thriving produce scene helps make Pompano a great place to live and work

The Pompano, FL, area is known as the heart of Florida’s Gold Coast, and the people who live and visit there take great pleasure in its beautiful, clear waters and scenic beaches. Named for a species of tropical fish, Pompano is known as a vibrant and diverse community, and it is also a popular destination for scuba divers, who explore its coral reefs and famous shipwrecks located off its shores.

All of this helps make Pompano a thriving area for produce, but success there requires produce professionals to be smart and flexible, as they need to be able to offer a wide array of fresh and delicious products to the community.

A major destination for high-quality produce in Pompano is the Green Market Pompano Beach, which takes place at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center and is hosted by the Pompano Beach Historical Society in partnership with the City of Pompano Beach. It’s held twice a month from November to April.

The market is renowned as a place to buy a variety of high-quality, holistic, organic, natural foods, as well as products from local small shops and purveyors, including fresh fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods, local honey, seafood and other food items, along with orchids, plants, and health-related products and services.

It is also a program that brings the Pompano community together, while also drawing people to the area, in celebration of the area’s food, arts and culture. It’s known as a terrific destination for the whole family, and in addition to selling produce, this year’s markets have offered crafting, dance classes, yoga lessons, and programs that educate people about the food they eat and the benefits of going green.

The Green Market started about 20 years ago as a small initiative from the Pompano Beach Historical Society, and it has grown significantly over the years. In fact, its importance was emphasized after it became one of the first in-person events that was held in the area after the pandemic.

Another vital destination in the area is the Edward L. Myrick State Farmers Market, formerly known as the Pompano State Farmers Market, which is located between Interstate 95 and the Florida Turnpike and provides outstanding access to two major thoroughfares that go up the East Coast and through Western Georgia and the Midwest.

As vital as local growers and produce retailers are to the community, imports are becoming an important factor in Pompano, especially in terms of the tropical fruits that people in the area desire.

Pompano, of course, benefits from Florida’s climate, which is ideal for growing crops, most famously for citrus. The Sunshine State also ranks high among states in growing tomatoes, watermelons, strawberries, cabbage, sweet corn and more. The Florida Department of Agriculture and consumer services promotes Florida’s growers through its Fresh From Florida initiative. The Department also spreads the word about Florida fruits and vegetables by telling the stories of Florida’s farmers, highlighting agritourism in the state, and sharing recipes created by Justin Timineri, a Florida native and award-winning chef.

With its thriving community and dedicated food professionals, it’s no wonder that Pompano is home to a robust produce business.