By Sylvester Robinson and Bobby Henry
BELLE GLADES, FL — A groundbreaking study led by Tuskegee University and Florida A&M University (FAMU) sheds new light on the environmental and economic impacts of preharvest sugarcane burning in South Florida’s Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA). Conducted in response to longstanding concerns from local residents, the research reveals that while burning does produce fine particulate matter, its overall contribution to regional air pollution is minimal and far outweighed by the economic and social benefits of the sugar industry in the region.
“The research doesn’t lie. Thankfully we have public and private land grant institutions that do the work outside of the companies so that we can be an additional reference. “
Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental & Natural Sciences
Understanding the Practice
Preharvest burning, a long-standing agricultural technique used to remove excess foliage from sugarcane fields before harvest, has been criticized for releasing pollutants into the air. This study, which included six months of air quality monitoring across Hendry and Palm Beach counties, sought to determine whether the practice significantly impacts public health or violates federal air quality standards.
Advanced air quality sensors and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) monitoring tools were deployed across strategic locations, including sites near sugar production fields operated by U.S. Sugar. Researchers also conducted field assessments at a Tuskegee University sugarcane test plot and leveraged advanced microscopy to analyze particle composition.
Key Findings: Burning Not a Major Pollutant Source
Although a spike in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) occurred in mid-May 2024, researchers concluded this was largely due to Saharan dust, local weather patterns, and unrelated fires not sugarcane burning. In fact, particulate speciation analysis found that sugarcane ash contributed less than 1% of total dust samples during the preharvest burning season. Across all sites and time periods, PM2.5 levels remained within the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) acceptable limits.
Additional contributors to particulate levels included road dust, agricultural soil, vehicle exhaust, and naturally occurring elements like niobium, thallium, and palladium traced to catalytic converters.
Community Perspectives and Engagement
Community input played a central role in the study. Focus group discussions with residents both working in the sugar industry and those outside it revealed strong community support for agribusinesses. Most participants did not express serious concerns about the health impacts of sugarcane burning. Instead, they emphasized the industry’s contributions to local infrastructure, education, and economic opportunity.
These sentiments align with findings from a recent Texas A&M University report, which found that the sugarcane sector supports over 53,000 jobs nationwide, more than 19,000 of which are in Florida—and contributes $4.7 billion annually to the state’s economy.
Balancing Sustainability with Progress
“Green harvesting isn’t practical in most of the Everglades Agricultural Area,” said Lavita Holmes, Executive Director of Glades Lives Matter. “It leaves heavy plant waste that delays planting, attracts pests, and affects soil drying. In our wet climate and tight schedule, preharvest burning helps farmers work more efficiently and protects future crops something backed by University of Florida studies.”
The study acknowledged that while burning offers agronomic benefits like pest control and reduced transport emissions, environmental trade-offs must be managed carefully. Sugarcane production is water- and fertilizer-intensive, but with sustainable practices including air quality monitoring and community-informed policy the industry can balance productivity with environmental stewardship.
“Understanding the science behind these practices is essential to crafting fair and informed public policy,” said one of the lead researchers. “This study empowers stakeholders to make decisions grounded in data not, fear.”
Conclusion
“We’re honored that Tuskegee University invited us to collaborate on such a meaningful initiative. A project of this scale and impact deserves representation that reflects the community it serves. It’s important for residents to see people who look like them leading and contributing and we’re proud to be part of it now and in the future,” said Dr. G. Dale Wesson, Ph.D., Dean of the FAMU College of Agriculture and Food Sciences.
This collaborative initiative underscores a key message: while preharvest sugarcane burning does contribute to air particle levels, its impact is minimal when measured against the full spectrum of environmental influences in the region. More importantly, the industry’s role in sustaining local economies and communities remains substantial.
South Florida Alumni Club president, Mr. Oscar Braynon, states, “The study’s findings exonerating the burning of sugar cane as the primary culprit of the area’s poor air quality is both a testament to the data’s validity and to the students and professors representing Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University, historically two of the HBCU standard Bearers in higher education.
As South Florida grapples with evolving environmental and economic challenges, this research provides an evidence-based foundation for informed dialogue, responsible regulation, and continued investment in the region’s agricultural future.
