Agriculture Around Clearwater
When people think of Clearwater, they usually picture sugar-white sand and sparkling Gulf waters. Yet the region surrounding the city has deep agricultural roots. Pinellas County was once covered in citrus groves, and neighboring Pasco, Hillsborough, and Polk counties remain major producers of strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries, and oranges. Today, a new generation of urban farms, hydroponic growers, and community-supported agriculture programs is bringing fresh food closer to Clearwater consumers.
These farming companies supply local restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets, and households. Many emphasize sustainable practices, water conservation, and reduced food miles, which matter greatly in a coastal region concerned about environmental health.
How We Chose These Companies
Our list includes farms and agricultural companies that serve Clearwater through markets, delivery, wholesale, or retail partnerships. We evaluated product quality, sustainability practices, community involvement, and reputation across the Tampa Bay food scene.
The Top 10 Farming Companies Serving Clearwater
1. Wish Farms
Based in nearby Plant City, Wish Farms is one of the largest strawberry growers in the country. Clearwater shoppers find its berries in local grocery stores throughout the winter season, when Florida strawberries are at their peak, and its year-round sourcing network keeps berries available beyond the local season.
2. Astin Farms
Astin Farms is a family-run Plant City operation known for strawberries and seasonal pick-your-own experiences. Clearwater families often make the short drive for a hands-on day at the farm, and its produce stands are a regional favorite.
3. Ben Hill Griffin Inc.
A long-standing Florida citrus and cattle company, Ben Hill Griffin represents the state's agricultural heritage. Its citrus production supports juice and fresh-fruit markets enjoyed across Tampa Bay.
4. Lykes Bros. Inc.
Lykes Bros. is a diversified Florida agricultural enterprise involved in citrus, cattle, and land stewardship. Its large-scale operations contribute significantly to the state's agricultural economy and conservation efforts.
5. Uncle Matt's Organic
Uncle Matt's is a pioneer in organic Florida citrus juice. Its products are widely available in Clearwater markets and appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking clean, sustainably grown options.
6. Gamble Creek Farm
Gamble Creek Farm in nearby Manatee County grows organic produce and supplies restaurants and community-supported agriculture members. Its regenerative growing methods are highly regarded in the regional food scene.
7. Frog Song Organics
Frog Song Organics is a certified organic farm that offers produce boxes and supplies farmers markets. Florida residents value its wide variety of seasonal vegetables and transparent growing practices.
8. Kai-Kai Farm
Kai-Kai Farm grows specialty vegetables, microgreens, and edible flowers for top restaurants across Florida. Its high-end produce adds color and flavor to many upscale menus, including those in the Tampa Bay area.
9. Pinellas County Microgreen Growers
A growing cluster of small Pinellas County microgreen and herb growers supply Clearwater cafes and farmers markets with ultra-fresh greens harvested within hours of delivery. Their compact operations thrive even in an urbanized county.
10. Hydroponic and Vertical Farm Operators
Clearwater-area hydroponic and vertical farms produce lettuce, basil, and kale year-round using minimal water and space. These indoor growers provide consistent supply despite Florida's summer heat and storm season.
What Makes a Great Farming Partner
For restaurants and retailers, consistency is critical. The best farming companies provide reliable volumes, clear communication about seasonal availability, and dependable delivery schedules. Food safety certifications and transparent growing practices also build trust with customers.
Consumers increasingly ask where their food comes from. Partnering with local farms gives Clearwater businesses compelling stories to share, from heirloom tomatoes grown a few miles away to citrus harvested by multigenerational families.
Trends in Florida Agriculture
Florida farming is evolving rapidly. Citrus greening has challenged traditional growers, prompting investment in disease-resistant varieties and diversification into crops like avocados, peaches, and specialty peppers. Controlled-environment agriculture, drones, soil sensors, and data-driven irrigation help farms do more with less. Community-supported agriculture subscriptions and online ordering have also made it easier for Clearwater households to buy directly from growers.
How Clearwater Residents Can Support Local Farms
Supporting local agriculture is easier than many residents realize. Weekly farmers markets in downtown Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, and St. Petersburg feature growers selling vegetables, fruit, honey, eggs, and plants directly to the public. Buying at these markets keeps more money in the local economy and gives shoppers a chance to ask farmers how their food is grown.
Community-supported agriculture subscriptions are another powerful option. By paying upfront for a season's worth of produce, members provide farms with early capital to buy seed and equipment, and in return they receive boxes of fresh, seasonal food. Many Tampa Bay farms now offer flexible subscriptions with home delivery or convenient pickup points across Pinellas County.
Restaurants can also make a difference by highlighting local farms on their menus and building direct purchasing relationships. Schools, hospitals, and corporate cafeterias in Clearwater are increasingly adopting farm-to-institution programs that bring Florida-grown produce into everyday meals. Every one of these choices strengthens the regional food system and helps protect farmland from development pressure.
Conclusion
Clearwater's food scene is enriched by a network of passionate farmers who balance tradition with innovation. By supporting these farming companies, residents and businesses help sustain local agriculture, reduce environmental impact, and enjoy the freshest flavors Florida has to offer.