Pompano Beach and Its Farming Heritage
Long before it became a coastal city of condos and marinas, Pompano Beach was a farming town. In the early and mid twentieth century, its fertile land produced beans, peppers, and other winter vegetables shipped to markets across the country, and the city was home to a major state farmers market that served as a hub for growers throughout South Florida. That heritage still shapes local food culture, from green markets to farm-to-table restaurants.
Today, most large-scale agriculture has moved west and north into Palm Beach County, the Everglades Agricultural Area, and Miami-Dade's Redland district. Yet these farms remain closely tied to Pompano Beach, supplying grocers, chefs, and families. Here are ten farming companies that serve the community with fresh, high-quality food.
What Makes a Great Farming Company
The best farms combine quality, consistency, and responsible practices. Look for growers that harvest at peak ripeness, use sustainable or organic methods where possible, and provide transparency about how food is produced. For restaurants and retailers, reliability of supply and food safety certifications matter. For families, accessibility through farm stands, markets, or delivery programs is key.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Serving Pompano Beach
1. Pero Family Farms
Based in nearby Delray Beach, Pero Family Farms is a family-owned grower known for green beans, peppers, mini sweet peppers, and specialty vegetables. With farms across several states, it supplies major grocery chains year-round. Its long history in South Florida agriculture connects directly to the region's vegetable-growing tradition.
2. Swank Specialty Produce
Swank Specialty Produce in Loxahatchee is a celebrated hydroponic farm growing specialty greens, herbs, edible flowers, and heirloom vegetables. Top South Florida chefs feature its produce, and its farm dinners have become a beloved regional food experience.
3. Bedner's Farm Fresh Market
Bedner's in Boynton Beach is a family farm and market selling its own fresh vegetables alongside local products. Its seasonal u-pick events and fall festivals are popular with Pompano Beach families looking for a farm outing within an easy drive.
4. Kai-Kai Farm
Kai-Kai Farm in Indiantown grows a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and flowers using sustainable practices. It supplies restaurants and green markets throughout South Florida and is known for its farm tours, workshops, and community events.
5. Knaus Berry Farm
Knaus Berry Farm in Homestead is a South Florida institution, famous for strawberries, tomatoes, and its legendary cinnamon rolls. Open seasonally during the winter months, it draws visitors from across the region, including many from Pompano Beach.
6. Robert Is Here
Robert Is Here, the iconic fruit stand in Homestead, grows and sells tropical fruits such as mangoes, lychees, and passion fruit. Its fresh fruit milkshakes are legendary, and the farm showcases the incredible variety of tropical crops South Florida can produce.
7. Florida Crystals
Florida Crystals is a major sugarcane grower and refiner based in Palm Beach County. Its operations in the Everglades Agricultural Area include organic sugarcane and renewable energy production from biomass. It remains one of the most significant agricultural companies in South Florida.
8. U.S. Sugar
U.S. Sugar, headquartered in Clewiston, farms large acreages of sugarcane, citrus, and vegetables. As one of the largest agricultural employers in the region, it plays a major role in Florida's farm economy and supplies sugar used by food manufacturers nationwide.
9. Alico
Alico is one of Florida's largest citrus growers, with extensive groves in the southern half of the state. Its oranges supply juice processors that deliver Florida's signature product to grocery shelves, including those across Pompano Beach.
10. Lake Meadow Naturals
Lake Meadow Naturals in central Florida produces pasture-raised eggs and poultry. Its products are found in many South Florida markets, giving Pompano Beach shoppers a local alternative to conventional eggs from out of state.
Agricultural Trends in South Florida
Hydroponic and controlled-environment agriculture is expanding quickly, allowing farms to grow greens year-round despite summer heat and heavy rains. Consumer demand for local, organic, and sustainably produced food continues to rise. Agritourism, including farm dinners, u-pick days, and festivals, provides new revenue for growers. At the same time, farms face challenges from land costs, water management, and extreme weather, making innovation and resilience essential.
How Pompano Beach Residents Can Support Local Farms
Shopping at weekend green markets, joining community supported agriculture programs, and choosing restaurants that source locally all help keep South Florida farms thriving. Visiting farm stands during the winter growing season is a delicious way to enjoy peak flavor. Even small choices, like buying Florida-grown tomatoes and citrus at the grocery store, make a meaningful difference.
The Business of Feeding South Florida
South Florida's farms operate on a calendar that is the reverse of most of the country. While northern fields lie dormant in winter, growers in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties harvest beans, peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn, and leafy greens that supply grocery stores nationwide. This winter advantage has made the region an essential part of the American food supply for generations. For Pompano Beach restaurants and markets, it means abundant fresh produce exactly when tourism and seasonal residents bring the most diners to town, creating a natural partnership between local farms and the hospitality economy.
Final Thoughts
Pompano Beach's farming legacy lives on through the growers who supply its tables today. From family-run vegetable farms and hydroponic innovators to major sugarcane and citrus producers, the companies above represent the diversity and strength of South Florida agriculture. Supporting them means fresher food and a stronger regional economy.