Everglades Agricultural Area

Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is a highly fertile region located in the southern part of Florida, United States, primarily used for agricultural purposes. This area plays a crucial role in the economy of Florida, contributing significantly to the agricultural output of the state. The EAA encompasses a vast expanse of land, covering approximately 700,000 acres, and is situated south of Lake Okeechobee, stretching down to the northern fringes of the Everglades National Park.

History

The transformation of the Everglades Agricultural Area began in the early 20th century when efforts were made to drain the Everglades for agricultural use. The construction of canals and levees under the direction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers facilitated the conversion of this once marshy land into arable farmland. This development was driven by the growing demand for agricultural land to support the booming population of Florida and the United States as a whole.

Agriculture

The EAA is renowned for its production of sugar cane, making it one of the largest sugar-producing regions in the United States. Besides sugar cane, the area also supports a variety of other crops, including vegetables (such as sweet corn and lettuce) and rice. The fertile soil, coupled with the subtropical climate of the region, makes it ideal for year-round farming.

Environmental Impact

The development of the Everglades Agricultural Area has had significant environmental implications. The drainage of the Everglades has led to habitat loss for numerous species of wildlife and has disrupted the natural flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to the southern Everglades. This alteration has contributed to water quality issues in the Everglades, including increased nutrient pollution, which has been detrimental to the ecosystem.

Efforts are underway to mitigate these environmental impacts through the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which aims to restore the natural flow of water to the Everglades while also meeting the water needs of the agricultural area and urban regions.

Challenges and Future

The Everglades Agricultural Area faces several challenges, including the need to balance agricultural productivity with environmental conservation. Climate change poses an additional threat, with rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events threatening the sustainability of agriculture in the region. Furthermore, the ongoing restoration efforts in the Everglades necessitate careful management of water resources to ensure the long-term viability of both the natural ecosystem and agricultural activities.

See Also

• Everglades
• Agriculture in the United States
• Environmental issues in Florida
• Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan