Decline in Harvested Area Since 2002
The total area of sugar cane harvested in the U.S. experienced a
significant decrease from
1027.8 thousand acres in 2001 to
931.5 thousand acres by 2023, marking a reduction of
9.4% over 22 years. This trend highlights a gradual but notable decline in
sugar cane cultivation area.
Recovery in Recent Years
After hitting a low of
869.0 thousand acres in 2014, the
harvested area has shown signs of recovery, increasing to
931.5 thousand acres by 2023. The growth over this 9-year period suggests a
positive shift in sugar cane agriculture, indicating resilience in the sector.
Fluctuations in Yearly Data
Annual changes in the harvested area showcase notable fluctuations. For example, the increase from
899.7 thousand acres in 2018 to
913.2 thousand acres in 2019, followed by a slight decline and then a peak at
947.6 thousand acres in 2020, illustrates the variability in sugar cane
cultivation due to various factors including climate, market demand, and agricultural practices.
Lowest and Highest Harvested Areas
The data reveals the lowest harvested area of
869.0 thousand acres in 2014 and the highest at
1027.8 thousand acres in 2001. This range indicates the volatility in the sugar cane industry over the years, driven by a complex interplay of environmental, economic, and regulatory factors.
Decade Comparison
Comparing the first and last five years of the dataset, the average harvested area decreased from
973.0 thousand acres during 2001-2005 to
920.6 thousand acres during 2019-2023. This
5.4% decline underscores a trend towards reduced sugar cane cultivation space over the two decades.
Stability in Recent Years
In the last four years, the harvested area has shown relative stability, with figures hovering around
930 thousand acres, showcasing a period of steadiness in the U.S. sugar cane industry despite previous fluctuations.
2020: A Year of Exceptional Harvest
The year 2020 stands out with a harvested area of
947.6 thousand acres, the highest in the last decade. This peak reflects an exceptional year for sugar cane production, possibly influenced by favorable weather conditions, improved
agricultural practices, or increased market demand.