Agriculture has always been an important industry on Long Island. Along with providing over 10,000 jobs, Long Island agriculture provides the landscape and scenic beauty that make the Island a popular tourist destination, generating $1 billion in revenues annually. Visitors and year-round residents can enjoy locally produced fruits, vegetables, ornamental horticulture products and wine that the Long Island farmers have become famous for.

Long Island's agricultural industry is centered on the eastern two-thirds of the Island known as Suffolk County. Bounded on the north by the Long Island Sound, between the forks by the Peconic Bay and on the south by the Atlantic Ocean, Suffolk County has a high water to land ratio that provides for moderate temperatures, mild winters, forty-two inches of rainfall annually and extended growing seasons. And with excellent, well-drained soils, more sunshine than any other area in New York State, abundant fresh water and nearness to wholesale and retail markets, it is no surprise that Long Island is one of the most important agricultural regions in New York State, leading the state in agricultural wholesale values at $115.2 million of products sold.

Riverhead currently has over 20,000 acres devoted to agriculture out of 35,000 acres throughout Long Island. Its agricultural acreage includes potatoes, vegetables, grapes, and sod, as well as its stables and nurseries. Riverhead is also famous for its duckling, fresh fish and shellfish. Farm stands and orchards are popular stops for visitors for fresh-picked produce. Many establishments also offer "pick your own" strawberries, peaches and pumpkins in season. 

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RIVERHEAD FARM STANDS LISTING