The Ideal Climate for Agriculture and Business
Indian River County offers many advantages for businesses in the agriculture industry. Its subtropical climate allows year-round growing seasons that most regions cannot match. The environment supports production of a variety of plant and animal agricultural commodities.
The County’s diverse agricultural operations include fishing and farmed seafood, emerging aquaculture ventures, and traditional citrus cultivation. Much of Florida's grapefruit is grown in the Indian River region, and the county has cultivated a world-renowned agricultural reputation, particularly in citrus production. Growers ship their fruit worldwide, establishing brand recognition and distribution channels.
Established agricultural enterprises also span other sectors including arugula producers, wholesale fruit packaging, and specialty food gifts. The state’s shellfish aquaculture industry began in the Indian River Lagoon and continues to flourish as a $165 million+ industry.
A Research and Innovation Hub
County agricultural businesses benefit from proximity to world-class agricultural research institutions that drive innovation and provide support.
Indian River State College offers programs in agriculture, agricultural production technology, and aquaculture technology, creating a pipeline of trained workers and providing ongoing education opportunities.
Florida Institute of Technology is home to the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute and the L3Harris Center for Science and Engineering that provides modern aquaculture and marine biology labs.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University facilitates research in marine and environmental sciences.
In Florida county in grapefruit production
In Florida citrus production
Of grapefruit equaling $46.7 million (Percent of US Value)
Of oranges equaling $197 million (Percent of US Value)
Strategic Business Advantages
The pro-business climate and policies create an environment conducive to agricultural investment and expansion. Advantages of building an agricultural business here include:
- Exceptional market access. Transportation networks put Florida population centers within a few hours’ reach, while coastal access enables efficient export operations.
- Promotional support. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has established a “Fresh from Florida" promotional and membership program to support the state’s agricultural producers.
- A favorable tax environment. Agricultural businesses also benefit from Florida's tax policies, including no personal state income tax and a variety of agricultural exemptions.
- Workforce stability. The coastal setting, cultural amenities, and recreational opportunities provide employees with an exceptional quality of life at a lower cost than major metropolitan areas.
Established Agriculture Companies
| Company | Industry | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| B & W Quality Growers | Agriculture - Arugula | 200+ |
| Premier Citrus Citrus Groves | Wholesale Fruit Packaging |
100-199 |
| Riverfront Groves | Citrus Groves, Wholesale Fruit Packaging | 50-99 |
| Hale Groves/ Southern Fulfillment |
Citrus & Gourmet Food Gifts | 50-99 |
| Perricone Farms | Citrus Groves, Wholesale Fruit Packaging | 100-199 |
| Syngenta Agricultural Research Center | Pest Management Research | 25-49 |
| Seald Sweet International | Citrus Distribution | 1-24 |
| Peace River Citrus | Citrus Distribution | 1-24 |
Competitive Business Costs
Agricultural businesses benefit from the exceptional value of Indian River County's labor market. The region maintains wages consistently below state and national averages while providing access to skilled workers. The cost advantages extend beyond labor to include competitive land prices and low operational expenses. These conditions allow agricultural businesses to offer competitive pricing while protecting profit margins.
Wages in Indian River County
| Sebastian-Vero Beach MSA |
US | |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly mean wage, all occupations | $26.92 | $32.66 |
| Agricultural equipment operators | $16.89 | $19.35 |
| Farmworkers and laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse | $15.44 | $18.30 |
Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024; USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2024