By Paul Waldmiller
Did you know that because of rising food safety concerns, more Floridians to grow their own produce?
In recent news, there have been an increase number of food recalls largely caused by confirmed cases of cyclospora and E. coli throughout South Florida, especially among leafy greens and berries. The trend of growing their own lettuce and other vegetables is being seen all throughout the state where residents are cultivating home gardens to avoid contaminated greens.
A 2026 University of Florida/IFAS study found that home gardeners are willing to pay roughly :28 cents more per pound” for locally grown tomatoes compared to the 14-cent premium paid by non-gardeners. This shift reflects a broader desire for food safety, as individuals prioritize clean, chemical-free produce amidst ongoing public health scares and supply chain uncertainties, especially from produce grown outside the U.S.
Since Florida has an extra longer growing season due to the length of warmer weather, those who choose to grow their vegetable gardens have a greater yield of produce for personal use.