The Southern Region of the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), which includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, is home to nearly 144,000 farming operations that produce a variety of commodities. Agriculture is deeply rooted in the region and has shaped it into an area known for its warm hospitality and delicious comfort food. What better embodies Southern hospitality than a freshly baked slice of pie?
Fans of pecan pie look to Georgia, which led the nation in pecan production with 180,295 acres of pecans according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture. Alabama was seventh in the nation in pecan production and second of the southern states with 10,027 acres.
If peach pie is more to your taste, then the southern region states have you covered. South Carolina is the nation's second-largest peach producer with a recorded 20,500 acres. Georgia is the third largest producer with a recorded 9,206 peach acres.
If a traditional baked pie isn’t your style and you prefer an ice box citrus pie, producers in Florida can help with your main ingredients. The Sunshine State leads the nation in citrus fruit production at 382,803 acres.
In addition to its signature commodities, the region has seen tremendous growth in berry acreage, producing a bigger slice of the nation’s berry production than ever before. Strawberry acreage in Alabama (54%), Florida (44%), Georgia (88%), and South Carolina (51%) saw growth at a rate above the national 22% growth from 2017 to 2022. For blueberries, Florida (52%), Georgia (52%), and South Carolina (29%) saw growth in acreage at a rate above the national average of 25% from 2017 to 2022.
Next time you bite into a slice of pie, be thankful for farmers and all the commodities they produce! For more 2022 Census of Agriculture data, check out our state agricultural statistics.
