Measurement of the output of fruits, vegetables and tropical foliage plants shows that this is a one billion dollar industry. Approximately 1,600 farms and nurseries operating on 83,000 acres of land employ more than 20,000 workers. This region is the top vegetable supplier for the United States during the winter months. Tomatoes, bush and pole beans, new potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini and corn grown in South Florida account for half of the country's output of these vegetables. Eighteen traditional vegetables are commercially grown in the county.
Tropical vegetables thrive in Greater Miami's sub-tropical climate.
This provides a competitive edge as the region is the only sub-tropical farming area in the continental United States. Increased competition from Mexican farmers as well as increased demand has motivated local farmers to diversify their crops, growing both greater amounts and varieties of tropical fruits and vegetables. The prime tropical vegetables grown are boniato, malanga, calabaza, and cassava. Limes, avocados and mangoes, Greater Miami's top fruit crops, grow on approximately 10,000 acres. They are among the 20 commercial tropical fruits grown in the region.