Historically, Alachua County's economy was deeply tied to agriculture, specifically cotton, citrus, and timber. While the urban footprint of Gainesville has replaced much of its immediate farmland, agriculture remains culturally and economically significant in the surrounding areas.
Today, regional agriculture focuses on timber (pine forestry), beef cattle, and varied crop production, including blueberries and peanuts. Furthermore, Gainesville is a global nerve center for agricultural research. The University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) conducts cutting-edge research in crop resilience, pest management, and sustainable farming practices, influencing agricultural operations worldwide.