Agriculture and Rural Area Study

Miami-Dade County is well known for its beaches, parks and cities but, did you know that Miami-Dade County has an agricultural industry with a total economic impact of $2.7 billion?

Miami-Dade County leads the State in the production of tropical vegetables, tropical fruits and ornamental nurseries, and ranks second in the production of winter vegetables and ornamental fish.

Moreover, approximately 20,000 persons are directly or indirectly employed by Miami-Dade County’s agricultural industry. Miami-Dade County agriculture faces a number of challenges, including development pressures, water supply, water management policy and offshore competition.

The purpose of the Agriculture and Rural Area Study is to collect and analyze information concerning the long-term economic outlook of Miami-Dade County’s agricultural industry, and to formulate recommendations to enhance the industry’s economic viability. The Study will also recommend compatible uses for surplus agricultural lands.

Consultant Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company conducted the Agriculture and Rural Area Study (23.8 MB) under contract to Miami-Dade County, with extensive public involvement. The University of Florida conducted a significant portion of the data collection for the Study under separate contract with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. A 16-member Citizens Advisory Committee advised the County and Consultants throughout the Study process. The Study Area includes all land that is: (1.) planned for Agricultural use in Miami-Dade County’s Comprehensive Development Land Use Plan; (2.) zoned AU (Agricultural Use); (3.) has an agricultural property tax exemption, or is; (4.) currently in agricultural use.

The County Manager’s Report (3.3 MB) summarizes the recommendations of the Citizens’ Advisory Committee and the findings of the study.

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