The WOW Factor: Agriculture in Flagler
If you have driven through the scenic countryside of the western portions of Flagler County in recent weeks, you have probably noticed that all of the farm fields are buzzing with activity.
Cabbage planted earlier in the season is being harvested; potatoes are being planted and cultivated; and pastures are teaming with droves of newly born calves.
According to a 2010 study done by the University of Florida, Food and Resource Economics Department, agriculture, natural resources and related industries have total economic impacts to Flagler County of $341 million and provide full and part-time employment for more than 4,100 people. According to the study, this makes agriculture Flagler County's leading industry.
To get your mind wrapped around these figures, they include crop and livestock production, of course, but also forestry, support and service industries like pesticide and fertilizer distribution, equipment related sectors, veterinary services, and even urban landscape services. Also included would be food-related services such as restaurants and nature-based recreation interests like golf courses. If we just break out the traditional "Ag" numbers related to crops, livestock, forestry and their support services, we're still looking at about a $103 million industry with a little more than 1,200 jobs.
If this isn't enough to wow you, consider another study that compared tax revenues generated by different sectors with their associated service including roads, emergency services, parks, etc. costs. In this study — "The Value of Agricultural Lands & Open Space"— three counties in the panhandle region were evaluated and three land uses were compared. The land uses were residential development, commercial/ industrial, and farm/ forestland. On average the farm and forestland cost 49 cents on the dollar, commercial/ industrial 28 cents on the dollar and residential development cost $1.58 for every dollar it generated. Similar studies have been done in other regions of the state with similar outcomes. If the same results could be expected in Flagler County, it would mean that this industry balances the books so that the rest of us can enjoy the benefits associated with living here.
So, beyond the benefit of being sandwiched between a beautiful coast and a scenic rural inland area; beyond the benefits associated with expansive open green space for healthy natural systems; and beyond the benefits of fresh, affordable, safe foods, it is important that we also recognize the economic advantages of having a productive and prosperous agricultural industry.