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Local greens have a national impact, ‘lettuce' celebrate National Salad Month

With the month of May bringing warmer temperatures and the return of backyard cookouts, it's also a time to celebrate Lettuce Month, or National Salad Month. It is worth recognizing that the crisp greens that brighten our plates and nourish us play an important role in our local economy and in U.S. agriculture. South Florida's Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is not only the top producer of lettuce in Florida, but it is also one of the largest winter producers of lettuce in the entire country. The average American eats around 30 pounds of lettuce every year, and there is a good chance some of that was grown right here in Palm Beach County. At TKM Bengard Farms, we've just concluded our lettuce harvest. We are a family-owned farm based in Belle Glade, and we grow a variety of leafy greens including romaine, iceberg, butterhead, escarole, red leaf and endive. From our farm to your table, our crops are distributed nationwide, through major processors and retailers, to supermarkets, restaurants and schools, and often, these veggies end up right back here in communities across South Florida. Farmers in the EAA also grow a wide range of other crops, including sweet corn, celery, green beans, radishes, broccoli and rice, all of which contribute to a secure, stable and resilient American food supply. In a time when food supply chains can be disrupted by global events or extreme weather, the value of a reliable U.S.-grown food supply cannot be overstated. Local farms help to ensure that fresh, healthy produce is available year-round, lessening our dependence on foreign countries. Plus, South Florida's unique climate allows local farmers to be capable of producing fresh fruits and vegetables during times when other farm states across the United States are too cold. Opinion: Our family farm, Alderman Organic Farms, supports Earth Day and quality of life This not only keeps food more affordable and accessible for families, but it also creates jobs, supports our rural economies, and keeps our country self-reliant. EAA farming supports tens of thousands of jobs in the Glades and surrounding areas, provides fresh produce for local schools and food banks, and helps to drive economic activity for the state. Our role as EAA farmers comes with great responsibility. As stewards of the land, we understand the need to farm in ways that protect our environment for future generations. Our legacy is our land, and we must do all we can to preserve it. The EAA is one of the most carefully managed agricultural areas in the nation. For over 25 years, EAA farmers have been meeting or doing better than stringent water quality standards. In 2024, farmers achieved a 46% annual phosphorus reduction, nearly double the 25% reduction necessary under the Everglades Forever Act. Since the program's inception, EAA farmers' clean water efforts have averaged a 57% annual reduction. Our View: Trump's government cuts will stifle Florida food banks, expand hunger crisis Our commitment to sustainable agriculture includes implementing nationally recognized "Best Management Practices" and utilizing cutting-edge technology with the goal of cleaner water, healthier soil, increased energy efficiency and environmental conversation. So this May, as you enjoy a crunchy salad or top your burger with a fresh leaf of romaine, take a moment to consider where that lettuce came from. There's a good chance it was grown with care right here in the EAA by local farmers who are working every day to feed our country and preserve our land for future generations. Stephen Basore is the Director of Food Safety at TKM Bengard Farms, LLC, a family-owned farm based in Belle Glade that specializes in growing leafy greens. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida farmers have a national impact. 'Lettuce' celebrate | Opinion