U.S.: Sugar Cane Harvested Area, by year
YearArea,
in thousand acres
2023931.5
2022930.2
2021935.2
2020947.6
2019913.2
2018899.7
2017904.1
2016903.1
2015874.7
2014869.0
2013910.8
2012902.4
2011872.6
2010877.5
2009873.9
2008868.0
2007879.6
2006897.7
2005921.9
2004938.2
2003992.3
20021,023.2
20011,027.8
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2001 to 2023
  • Published: Jan 2024

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What has been the trend in the sugar cane harvested area over the past two decades when comparing decades?

In a decade comparison, the average harvested area decreased 5.4%, from 973.0 thousand acres in 2001-2005 to 920.6 thousand acres in 2019-2023.

Was there any exceptional year for sugar cane production in the last decade?

Yes, 2020 was an exceptional year for sugar cane production with a harvested area of 947.6 thousand acres, the highest in the last decade.

Terms and Definitions

Sugar cane is a type of tall, perennial grass that is primarily grown in tropical regions. The stem of the plant is rich in sucrose, which is often extracted for the production of sugar. Sugar cane requires a hot and humid climate for optimal growth.

Harvested area is the total land area, usually measured in acres or hectares, from which a particular crop is collected in a particular time frame. It's crucial to note that the harvested area does not always equate to the planted area, as some portion of the crop may not be harvested due to diseases, pests, or adverse weather conditions.

Annual crop production is the process and output of growing and gathering crops within a single year. This includes all the activities from planting seeds, nurturing plants, to harvesting and post-harvest handling.

Perennial crops are those that do not need to be replanted each year. These types of crops live for several years and yield a crop for harvest multiple times before dying or needing replacement. Sugar cane is an example of a perennial crop.

Yield in agriculture is the measure of the amount of a crop produced per unit of land. It is typically reported in quintals per acre or tonnes per hectare. The higher the yield, the more productive the land.

Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. It's a technique used by farmers to maintain soil fertility and health, and to reduce pest and disease pressures.

Irrigation is the artificial application of water to assist in the growing of agricultural crops. It is used in regions where rainfall is insufficient or irregular, or to grow crops out of season or in dry regions.

Industrial crops are plants grown specifically for industrial usage rather than food production. These crops are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, construction, manufacturing, and biofuel production, and include plants like sugar cane used for sugar production.