A Bounty of Blessings: Faith, Food, and Florida’s Agribusiness

Florida’s Agribusiness: A Testament to Stewardship

Florida’s agricultural heritage is a cornerstone of its economy, contributing over $21 billion annually and employing more than two million people.1  As the nation’s leading producer of crops like oranges, sugarcane, and tomatoes, Florida exports nearly $4 billion in agricultural products each year.2 The state’s turkey farms also play a key role in the holiday season, offering high-quality, pasture-raised turkeys that support both the agricultural diversity and economy. From sweet potatoes and green beans to squash and pecans, Florida’s farms provide not just sustenance but a reflection of the biblical call to stewardship in Genesis 2:15:

"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."

What sets Florida’s agribusiness apart is its ability to thrive amidst unique environmental challenges. Hurricanes, fluctuating temperatures, and the complexities of farming in swampy terrains require farmers to adopt innovative methods and adapt to changing conditions. This resilience allows them to deliver an incredible variety of products, from the sweet juiciness of Florida oranges to the hearty sweetness of squash and pecans that grace holiday tables. Florida’s farms are more than economic engines—they are living testaments to ingenuity and perseverance, feeding millions while navigating the unpredictability of nature.

Faith and the Thanksgiving Table

Thanksgiving is an opportunity to connect faith with the food we enjoy, recognizing each dish as a reflection of God’s provision. Florida’s agricultural contributions are key to traditional meals—from sweet potatoes in casseroles and green beans to pecans for pies and citrus for glazes.

Beyond the traditional fare, Florida’s agribusiness also nurtures the diverse flavors that have become part of the Thanksgiving celebration. While turkey remains a central dish, many families from Hispanic and Caribbean backgrounds enrich the meal with their own culinary traditions. Dishes such as pernil (slow-roasted pork), yuca, and plantains reflect the cultural mosaic of Florida, honoring the heritage of those who have made this state their home. These vibrant flavors, made possible by Florida’s tropical produce and livestock, beautifully complement the holiday meal and remind us of the diverse gifts we’ve received.

As 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 reminds us:

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

And in this Spirit, we capture the essence of the holiday table—a celebration of the many gifts, traditions, and cultures that enrich our lives.

A Call to Gratitude and Action

As we enjoy this season of plenty, let us take a moment to reflect on the farmers whose labor reflects God’s abundance. Florida’s agricultural landscape is shaped by professionals who face formidable challenges, from unpredictable weather and frequent storms to navigating the complex and often difficult terrain of the state’s swamps. These dedicated individuals use skill, innovation, and hard work to grow the crops and raise the livestock that nourish our communities. Their efforts remind us that true stewardship requires resilience and faithfulness, as they faithfully tend the land, often against the odds, ensuring a steady supply of food for all.

Supporting local agribusiness is more than just a way to buy fresh produce—it’s an investment in the future of our communities, our health, and the people who make it possible. Whether through farmers’ markets or choosing Florida-grown products at the store, we honor the professionalism and expertise that goes into feeding millions.

Proverbs 12:11 tells us:

“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.”

Florida’s farmers exemplify this truth, working diligently to harvest the fruits of their labor, providing for their families, and nourishing ours.  In this season of gratitude, let us acknowledge the professionalism, dedication, and expertise of those who sustain us, and actively support the businesses that cultivate the land and bring us the food we enjoy.

Closing Blessing and Prayer of Thanks

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the bounty You have provided through the land and the hands that tend it. Bless the farmers and all who work to feed others. Guide us to be faithful stewards of Your creation, so we may sustain Your provision for generations to come. Amen.

This Thanksgiving, let us celebrate not only the food on our plates but the faith and labor behind it. Florida’s agribusiness reminds us that, with God’s guidance, the seeds we plant today can bloom into blessings tomorrow.

Footnotes

1. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics.

2. University of Florida IFAS Extension, Economic Contributions of Agriculture.