Florida shoppers favor local farms after cyclospora scare

Local farmers and garden centers across Central Florida are reporting a surge in demand for fresh produce. This shift follows a nationwide cyclospora outbreak that prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue recalls for processed iceberg lettuce. The CDC reported nearly 20,000 cases across the United States from May 1 through August. Approximately 13,000 of those cases were linked to iceberg lettuce, with about 500 occurring in Florida.

The outbreak was traced to processed lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico. While the CDC declared the outbreak over in September, three new cases were reported in Central Florida after that announcement. One case was identified in Marion County and two in Volusia County. The CDC noted that it takes roughly six weeks from symptom onset to receive case data, meaning recent illnesses may still surface.

Rockledge Gardens in Brevard County has seen its produce move quickly since the summer recalls. Anastasia Garcia, who runs the market, sources her greens weekly from Fletcher Family Farms in New Smyrna. She stated that customers are often hesitant to buy leafy greens but feel more confident purchasing from local vendors. Garcia wrote a letter to residents during the summer to encourage them to shop locally and help educate the community on food safety.

Fletcher Family Farms, which has operated for 11 years, reported its busiest summer in years. Sara Fletcher, who runs the farm with her husband and children, grows hydroponic greens and seasonal vegetables. She explained that the farm’s romaine lettuce grows in an open shape rather than the compact heads found in grocery stores. This open structure allows for better airflow and may reduce bacterial growth. The farm supplies local markets, restaurants, and home deliveries, often advertising the specific restaurants that use their produce to build consumer trust.

Debby and Dwayne Colon, residents of Merritt Island, have shopped at Rockledge Gardens for two years. Dwayne Colon noted that knowing the source of their food reassures them regarding chemicals and pesticides. He said the family grows their own garden and shares surplus with neighbors. Debby Colon expressed hope that the community continues to support local growers, even after the immediate fear subsides.

University of Central Florida Professor Kevin Murphy, a restaurant management expert, said the outbreak was unusual because the cyclospora parasite is less common than E. coli or Salmonella. He attributed the incident to supply chain issues, noting that the United States imports food from 156 countries. Murphy pointed to funding cuts and historical issues with field control in Mexico as potential factors. The U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows the price farmers received for fresh head lettuce dropped from $80.10 per 100 pounds in June to $23.50 in July, rising slightly to $26.40 in August.

The CDC continues to monitor the situation, acknowledging that reporting lags exist. Local farmers like Fletcher hope that consumers will maintain their preference for local sourcing. They argue that buying from nearby farms supports the regional economy and provides clearer knowledge of the food supply chain.