Crop Intelligence Hub
Real-time yield predictions, field reports, and weather data for the ~69-day Florida saw palmetto harvest season. Powering pickers, buyers, and brokers across the territory.
⭕ Season Closed
2026 season ended. Next season: Aug 2027
Aug 1 – Oct 9 · ~69-day window · FDACS permit required to harvest & sell
Field Hazard Alert
Florida palmetto scrub is one of the most hazardous harvest environments in North America. Every picker should be aware:
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Most common threat. Stay alert in dense palmetto scrub.
Extreme Heat (95–105°F)
Hydrate constantly. Work early morning and late afternoon.
Mosquitoes & Deer Flies
DEET 100% recommended. Cover all skin. Use head nets.
Flooding & Wet Terrain
Post-rain conditions hide snakes and create slip hazards.
AI Yield Prediction
Powered by real-time weather, almanac data + 0 field reports
Click "Generate Prediction" to get an AI-powered yield forecast
Uses live weather data, farmers almanac trends, and field reports from your network
Weather Intelligence
Field Reports
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Local Berry News & Intel
AI-powered local news, buyer activity & community buzz by county
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Enforcement news, buyer activity, land access, community buzz
Industry Historical Record
10-year price, market & yield history · Florida Saw Palmetto
- Low Price
- High Price
Industry Timeline — Key Events
FDACS permit requirement enacted — commercial exploitation designation
Record export year — EU demand for BPH supplements peaks. Best picker earnings in a decade.
COVID-19 disrupts supply chain. European buyers reduce orders. Picker prices drop 15%.
Excessive rainfall Aug–Sep hurts yield. AHPA reports very low berry densities across Highlands & Polk.
Hurricane Idalia impacts central FL stands. Partial season losses in Hardee, DeSoto counties.
Wholesale price hits $65–$104/kg range. Picker rates improve to $0.42–$0.75/lb. $150M global market milestone.
$150M
2024 Market Size
Global annual
$0.75/lb
Peak Picker Rate
2024 high season
Germany
Top Export
BPH supplement market
2018
Permit Year
FDACS requirement
Picker & Buyer Gear Shop
Curated tools, bags, safety gear & supplies for Florida saw palmetto harvesting · Links via Amazon
🪣 Harvest Bags & Buckets
Hands-Free Harvest Apron Bag
Adjustable belt pouch, heavy canvas, holds 15+ lbs. Keeps both hands free for palmetto clusters.
"Best for picking — keeps hands free in dense scrub"
$18–$24
on Amazon
Heavy Duty Berry Picking Basket with Shoulder Strap
Adjustable shoulder strap, 20lb capacity. Perfect for long days in the scrub.
"Shoulder strap reduces fatigue on long hauls"
$22–$30
on Amazon
5-Gallon Stackable Buckets (6-pack)
Standard stackable buckets for transport and weighing. Industry standard for buyers.
"Essential for buyers — weighing and transport"
$28–$38
on Amazon
🛠️ Picking Tools
Berry Rake Scoop with Metal Comb
Metal tine rake comb harvests berries fast without crushing. Works great on palmetto clusters.
"Speed tool — increases daily yield significantly"
$14–$20
on Amazon
Heavy Leather Work Gloves
Thick leather palm, cut-resistant. Essential for handling palmetto fronds and avoiding saw-blade leaves.
"Palmetto fronds have serrated edges — protect your hands"
$16–$22
on Amazon
🐍 Snake & Hazard Safety
Snake Proof Boots (Rubber, Knee High)
Puncture-resistant rubber knee boots. Essential for Florida flatwood and swamp terrain.
"#1 safety item — Eastern Diamondbacks are common in palmetto scrub"
$65–$90
on Amazon
Snake Gaiters / Leg Guards
Lightweight nylon-lined gaiters protect ankle-to-knee from snake strikes. Pairs with regular boots.
"Lighter alternative to rubber boots for heat management"
$35–$55
on Amazon
Long Snake-Hook / Tong Tool
Relocate snakes safely from path. 47" reach. Standard for experienced scrub workers.
"Move snakes without harming them or yourself"
$25–$40
on Amazon
🌡️ Heat & Mosquito Protection
DEET 100% Insect Repellent (Pump Spray)
100% DEET — maximum strength for Florida mosquitoes, deer flies, and no-see-ums in scrub habitat.
"Nothing else works in Florida flatwoods. 100% DEET is required."
$8–$14
on Amazon
Cooling Neck Gaiter + Evaporative Headband
Soaks in water to cool for hours. Critical for 100°F+ feels-like temperatures.
"Heat stroke risk is real. Cooling gear saves lives."
$10–$18
on Amazon
Bug Net Head Cover (Fine Mesh)
Protects face and neck from mosquitoes and deer flies. Wear over hat in dense scrub.
"Mosquito swarms in palmetto stands are extreme Aug–Oct"
$7–$12
on Amazon
1-Gallon Insulated Water Jug
Keeps water cold 24+ hours. Minimum 1 gallon per picker per day in FL summer heat.
"Hydration is survival in 100°F scrub environments"
$28–$40
on Amazon
🎒 Field & Transport Gear
Portable Digital Hanging Scale (110 lb)
Accurate to 0.1 lb. Battery powered. Essential for buyers paying per pound at the stand.
"Buyers and pickers both need accurate weights for fair pay"
$18–$28
on Amazon
Waterproof Field Backpack (40L)
Waterproof roll-top. Carry water, snacks, first aid, and rain gear into remote scrub areas.
"You can end up 2+ miles into scrub — carry your essentials"
$35–$55
on Amazon
SI Compra is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change. Always verify seller ratings before purchasing.
About the Saw Palmetto Industry
🌿 The Plant
Serenoa repens grows wild across Florida's flatwoods and scrub habitats. The dark purple-black berries (ripe Aug–Oct) contain fatty acids and phytosterols used in prostate health supplements worldwide.
🌍 Global Demand
Over 90% of harvested berries are exported to Europe, particularly Germany, France, and Italy, where saw palmetto is a registered medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A $130M+ annual market.
📋 Permits Required
Since 2018, FDACS requires a permit to harvest AND sell saw palmetto berries. The plant is listed as commercially exploited. Only private land with landowner permission is legal. Fines up to $500+ per violation.
🍇 Harvest Timing
Season opens approximately August 1 and runs about 69 days through early October. Berries should be at least 60% yellow/orange or ripe before picking per AHPA guidelines. Dark purple = peak ripeness.
💰 Picker Economics
Pickers earn $0.35–$0.75/lb depending on season quality and buyer competition. An experienced crew can harvest 200–500 lbs/day. The short season makes every day count for pickers supplementing income.
🌧️ Yield Factors
Key predictors: winter/spring rainfall (Jan–May), absence of late frost, summer rainfall timing, and absence of major hurricanes. Drought during Feb–April flowering dramatically reduces fruit set.