Derek Orsenigo has been involved in farming from a very early age, following the path set by his father, Paul Orsenigo, who established Grower's Management. Grower's Management, operating on approximately 2000 acres, predominantly cultivates Florida sweet corn, a vital component of the state's agriculture, contributing over $100 million annually to the industry. Annually, the farm produces around 10 million ears of corn, with the cultivation cycle beginning in January and concluding after 75 days.
Despite the majority of their produce being distributed within Florida, including to major retailers such as Publix and Walmart, the Orsenigo family faces significant challenges. A recent study from the University of Florida highlights a concerning trend of farmland loss, estimated at 120 acres daily. The encroachment of development is palpable for the Orsenigos, with neighboring lands already sold to developers. This proximity to urban expansion underscores the pressures of land costs, labor challenges, and regulatory hurdles, threatening the viability of local farms.
"Florida growers are being put in a squeeze, and just the squeeze is becoming tighter," Derek Orsenigo remarked, acknowledging the increasing difficulties faced by the agricultural sector. Despite these challenges, the Orsenigo family remains committed to their agricultural endeavors, emphasizing the importance of land stewardship and the role of agriculture in ensuring national food self-sufficiency.
Source: fox13news.com