Ryan Nicol
Research from two of the nation’s top historically Black colleges and universities shows that the Glades region, known for sugarcane farming, has consistently healthy air quality levels.
Florida A&M University and Tuskegee University carried out the study. The institutions partnered with U.S. Sugar last year to conduct the research, which researchers will submit for peer review.
Analysts examined the air quality and impacts of sugarcane farming in the Glades between April and September 2024, with a focus on the effects of burning practices. The study measured air quality in six communities in Hendry and Palm Beach counties.
“Tuskegee University and Florida A&M University closely monitored the air quality in the Everglades and assessed the pros and cons of preharvest burning, specifically in regard to the regional economic and environmental impacts on the citizens of Palm Beach and Hendry Counties,” said Dr. Olga Bolden-Tiller, Tuskegee’s Dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Nutrition Sciences.
“We paid special attention to ensure that members of all of the communities in the region were represented and visited sugarcane production sites associated with U.S. Sugar.”
Researchers found that the region’s air quality stayed within the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards, including during burn season, with PM2.5 levels peaking in May. PM2.5 refers to fine particles of 2.5 micrograms or less, which can decrease air quality.
But according to the report, that increase wasn’t due to sugarcane burning; instead, analysts say the cause was Saharan dust and unrelated fires.
“In the current study, while preharvest burning did generate PM2.5 particles, peak levels coincided with both global and local events,” the report reads. “Further, these elevated PM2.5 levels were largely localized and the overall air quality within the larger region remained within established acceptable limits and were comparable to some of the best air quality observed within the state.”
Bolden-Tiller explained the reasoning behind those sugarcane burns.
“Preharvest burning is a traditional harvesting method used in manual and mechanical harvesting in different regions because it improves soil health, pest deterrence, and a reduction in the weight of the harvested crop, leading to lower transport costs,” Bolden-Tiller said.
“Because less soil and debris are being transported to the factory. There are also reductions in fuel consumption because less material is transported to the factory and less water is needed for washing the crop before milling.”
Nevertheless, some residents have expressed concerns about the impact of sugarcane burning. And sure enough, the study did confirm that sugarcane ash does lead to some particulate matter entering the air in nearby areas.
But that matter accounts for a tiny fraction — less than 1% — of particulate matter in the air. That’s true even in areas nearest to those burns. Other factors, such as vehicle exhaust, road dust, mold spores, pollen, and the aforementioned Saharan dust, can be larger drivers of air pollution.
“Our objective was to conduct research that addressed environmental concerns, especially those associated with air quality, to include the presence, source, and type of particulate matter,” Bolden-Tiller said.
“Preharvest burning in the sugarcane industry requires an intricate balance where agribusiness not only supports the local economy but also fosters an environment that must be thoughtfully managed by not only the industry but also government (local, state, and federal) with the involvement of community members.”
The research supports other studies with positive findings about air quality in the Glades.
The FAMU-Tuskegee study recommended installing robust air quality monitoring systems to address concerns about air quality in the Glades.
G. Dale Wesson, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Food Sciences and Director of Land Grant Programs at FAMU, praised the university for its work on the study.
“At Florida A&M University, we are committed to placing the community first by grounding our engagement in rigorous, science-based research,” Wesson said.
“Through our collaboration with Tuskegee University, we actively contributed to the analysis and interpretation of air quality data in the Everglades Agricultural Area,” he added. “We are proud to advance research that empowers local communities and promotes sustainable growth across the region.”
Dr. Mark A. Brown, president and CEO of Tuskegee, echoed those plaudits and highlighted the benefits the agricultural industry brings to the community.
“I’m proud of how our CAENS Team is invited to participate in studies around the world, including this important study of the environmental impact of burning sugarcane in South Florida,” he said.
“It is important to get this right as, by some studies, the sugar cane industry produces up to 19,201 jobs and $4.7 billion in the state of Florida. As is our history and current focus, once again, Tuskegee finds itself deeply involved in using the latest in scientific techniques to solve the nation’s most complex problems!”
