Food Production Research and Zoning Code Changes

Agriculture in Florida

Part of the state’s three legged economic stool 47,500 commercial farms, using

a total of 9.25 million acres

Ranks 2nd in the production value of vegetables and greenhouse & nursery products

Ranks 7th in agricultural exports with $3.1 billion

Accounts for 65 % of total U.S. citrus production

About Orange County Urban County

Service Economy

Weather

Farm Buyouts

Development Pressures

Purpose of the Project Examine County’s food

production sector Overview of agricultural

industry

Map distribution of agricultural land

Identify food processing & distribution uses

Find connections between these industries

Data Sources and Methodology 2007 USDA

Agricultural Census

Department of Revenue (DOR) codes

InfoUSA business database

Historical Documents

2007 Agricultural Census

Total Value of Agriculture was $269.9 million

Small Farms Predominate

Top Agricultural Products Nursery & Floriculture

Fruit Trees (Citrus)

Beef Cattle & Ranching

Other Animal Production

Distribution of Agricultural Land by DOR Code

Urban Agriculture

15,000 Acres of Agricultural Land within County USA

40 percent of land is within Planned Developments

Most land is classified Pasture or Timber

Food Processing

47 Food Manufacturing Operations Other Food

Bakeries

Confection/Beverages

Animal/Sea Food

Fruit and Vegetable

Wholesale Distribution

122 Food Distribution Operations Other Food

Dairy and Frozen Foods

Fruit & Vegetables

Meat and Sea Food

Food Systems Connections

Food production is heavily influenced by service economy

There is not a strict connection between agriculture and food processing & distribution industries

Small agglomerations in West Orange County

Opportunities to Foster Connections People want access to

fresh food and to be closer to their food sources

Orange County had two “food” zoning cases during the past three years

Farmers’ Markets are increasing in popularity

New zoning code in the works

Food Zoning Paper Examined how food

production and food access uses are incorporated in the zoning codes of several jurisdictions across the United States by specifically focusing on:

Use definitions,

Allowed zoning districts,

Specific use standards

Proposed Recommendations Add use terms like urban agriculture,

community gardens, and farmers’ markets to the Orange County Zoning Code

Avoid animal husbandry uses

Staff is still discussing the appropriate urban zoning districts where to put food uses and the specific standards for each use