Agribusiness

An estimated 5,125 people are employed in the agricultural industry, which records more than $300 million in annual sales. The top agricultural commodities, vegetable crops and livestock, flourish on 59 percent of the county's nearly 300,000 acres of farmland. Crops are a source of 75 percent of agricultural cash receipts.

Out of Florida's 67 counties, Manatee ranks first in tomato and watermelon production, second in cabbage, and third in pepper crops.  Livestock accounts for 15 percent of the cash receipts. Thirty-six percent of farm acreage supports range and woodlands. And Manatee County is the home of one of the nation's largest growers of cut flowers.