About

Dr. Derek Farnsworth is an associate professor in the Food and Resource Economics Department at the University of Florida. His teaching responsibilities include courses in agricultural finance and agribusiness management, and he acts as the Master of Agribusiness Program Coordinator for the department. His Extension programming is focused on statewide efforts in agribusiness education, organizing conferences and workshops to train managers in farm finance and to address issues such as citrus greening and agricultural labor policy. Dr. Farnsworth's research program concentrates on agricultural production, with particular emphasis on agricultural labor markets, production economics, and pest management, including topics such as guest worker programs (H-2A), citrus greening, and invasive species. He holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Resource Economics from the University of California, Davis, earned in 2014, and has a background in business, mathematics, and economics from Indiana University, Bloomington.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Agricultural economics
• Economics
• Geography
• Business
• Transport engineering
• Automotive engineering
• Environmental science
• Economic growth
• Engineering
• Natural resource economics
• Forestry
• Labour economics
• Medicine

Selected publications

• Is the juice worth the squeeze? Analyzing the US orange juice supply chain

  The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review · 2026-01-15

  articleOpen access

  Abstract Florida is a significant producer in the domestic and global orange juice markets. However, Florida producers have faced substantial challenges over the past two decades, including the spread of citrus greening disease and recurring extreme weather events such as hurricanes and freezes. This study examines Florida’s rapidly changing orange juice industry by integrating supply chain mapping with a resilience framework and Actor-Network Theory (ANT). Focusing on three supply chain sectors: production and imports, processing and distribution, and retail and consumption, we uncover how sustained production declines have reshaped supply chain relationships, coordination mechanisms and market dynamics across the network. We identify adaptations including increased consolidation and reliance on imported orange juice. We highlight that resilience is enacted through the evolving relationships among human and non-human actors, where continuous negotiation, adaptation, and reconfiguration of roles enable the system to maintain functionality despite persistent disruptions. This study offers actionable insights into how actors adapt through strategies such as sourcing diversification and network reconfiguration. Our findings advance the theoretical understanding of supply chain resilience in agricultural contexts while providing practical guidance for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers seeking to enhance industry sustainability.

  PublisherDOI

• Advancing specialty crop management: a review of recent developments in robotics, remote sensing, and machine learning systems

  The International Food and Agribusiness Management Review · 2025-01-14 · 3 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Specialty crop production is labor-intensive. Rising labor costs and uncertainty regarding labor availability are threatening the financial viability of many agricultural producers in the United States. In response, stakeholders are searching for alternatives to labor-intensive production systems, thus driving technological innovation. This article aims to review current technological developments at the forefront of specialty crop production. We specifically review recent literature in the past decade to highlight trends in technology advancement based on the category and functionality of the technology and discuss the economic impact and limitations of these technologies.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Understanding & Bridging the Gap Between Consumers, Growers, Researchers, and Stakeholders

  Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society · 2025-04-14

  articleOpen access
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• [FE1170] Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs: A Quick Reference Guide

  EDIS · 2025-11-21

  articleOpen access

  This quick reference guide to federal, state, and county agricultural conservation easement acquisition programs summarizes program objectives and allowable agricultural practices and explains how programs evaluate and prioritize applications. Focuses on programs that aim to keep land in agriculture or silviculture. Aimed at Florida farmers and ranchers and county Extension agents.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• To Display or Not to Display the Environmental Benefits on Ecolabels: Evidence from Consumers' Willingness to Pay for Best Management Practices (Bmps) Labels

  SSRN Electronic Journal · 2023-01-01

  preprintOpen access
  PublisherDOI

• The Electronic Logging Device Mandate and Costs for Refrigerated Citrus

  EDIS · 2020

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Political Science
  • Business
  • Transport engineering

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Speedy truck transportation is required to get products like fresh produce from the farm to the grocery store before it spoils. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration could significantly affect trucking costs for agricultural producers. This 6-page publication written by Tara Wade, Shellye Suttles, and Derek Farnsworth and published by the UF/IFAS Food and Resource Economics Departmentuses truck shipment data to analyze transportation costs and identifies potential future effects of the ELD Mandate.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe1086
 
 
 
 
 
 

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• U.S. COVID-19 Policy Affecting Agricultural Labor

  Choices · 2020 · 7 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Labour economics

  The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted supply chains and necessitated government intervention. This article discusses U.S. government policies affecting the supply and demand of agricultural labor. The predicted effect of these policies is to decrease the availability, efficiency, and overall productivity of these essential workers.

  PublisherOA PDF

• What Business Winners Do Right, Where Business Losers Go Wrong

  EDIS · 2019-07-07

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  This document explores the characteristics that distinguish successful businesses from unsuccessful ones. It identifies six traits common to failing businesses, such as financial poverty and managerial ignorance, and ten traits of successful businesses, including innovation and customer-centric thinking. The article provides checklists for managers to assess their organizations and suggests actions to eliminate negative traits and enhance positive ones. It emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and strategic planning for long-term success. First published June 2001.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The Associate's Role in Delivering a Fair Day's Work for a Fair Day's Pay

  EDIS · 2019-07-07

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  This document explores the concept of “a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay,” emphasizing the roles of both associates and managers in achieving this balance. It discusses eight agree/disagree statements to highlight common management beliefs and their impact on associate productivity. The authors argue that factors such as inclusiveness, appreciation, and effective communication are more critical than job security and wages. They also challenge the notion that people naturally resist change, suggesting that resistance often stems from a lack of involvement in decision-making. The document aims to guide managers in fostering a productive and motivated workforce. Original publication date May 2001.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Customer Complaints and Types of Customers

  EDIS · 2019-07-07 · 6 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  This document discusses the importance of handling customer complaints effectively to provide superior customer performance. It identifies five types of complainers: Meek, Aggressive, High-Roller, Rip-Off, and Chronic Complainer, and offers tailored responses for each. The article emphasizes the need for organizations to acknowledge, identify, and handle complaints positively, suggesting a seven-step procedure for resolving complaints. It concludes by highlighting the necessity of training customer service personnel to manage complaints efficiently and encourages feedback for continuous improvement. Published May 2001.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Fritz Roka

  Florida Gulf Coast University

  6 shared

• Rachael E. Goodhue

  University of California, Davis

  5 shared

• Skyler Simnitt

  Economic Research Service

  5 shared

• Jeffrey C. Williams

  5 shared

• Mark Bolda

  3 shared

• Gülcan Önel

  3 shared

• Charles B. Moss

  3 shared

• Frank G. Zalom

  University of California, Davis

  3 shared