UF/IFAS researchers are investigating the economic potential of growing vanilla in Florida with the aim of establishing an alternative – and potentially lucrative – crop to oranges.
“With citrus in decline, we’re searching for crops that can generate profits for producers,” said Jaclyn Kropp, a professor in the food and resource economics department. “Vanilla is a high-value crop, so there’s immense revenue potential.”
No large-scale, commercial production of vanilla exists in the United States, and the country imports more than $194 million worth of vanilla beans each year. There is, however, potential for a domestic market. Research from Kropp and her colleagues suggests consumers value Florida-grown vanilla extracts when they know what they’re consuming.
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