2024 Conference Highlights
Thanks for Joining Us
We had a blast connecting with schools, distributors and producers across Florida as we celebrated our 2024 Conference theme, Sowing Success, and guided guests through the three pillars of Farm to School:
- School Gardens
- Agricultural Education
- Procurement
2024 Conference Recap
As the Farm to School initiative and network grows, the Farm to School Conference provides an extraordinary moment to reflect on our impact. Farm to School strengthens local food systems in Florida through local procurement efforts, capacity building, resource development, technical assistance and your passion. Together, we will continue “Sowing Success” for Florida Farm to School.
To enhance collaboration across all aspects of Farm to School, our three pillars: Education, Procurement and School Gardens were highlighted through 24 different workshops. Each workshop was hosted by an expert based in Florida, covering topics such as maintaining school gardens, planting food forests, connecting schools with producers, developing agriculture curriculum and reducing food waste in the cafeteria.” – Commissioner Wilton Simpson
A Natural Farm
At A Natural Farm, our attendees explored and learned how to create a mixed, multi-layered food forest. Lessons included how to maximize garden space, increase biodiversity in landscapes and effectively use compost tea and on-site mulching techniques to create rich soil life.
Together, we toured A Natural Farm’s food forest and nursery with over 130 types of fruit tree species and medicinal plants, all grown chemical-free. We learned from the farmers’ over two decades of experience how to create resilient, edible landscapes with regenerative agriculture techniques.
Long and Scott Farms
At Long and Scott Farms, attendees were immersed in the farming culture of central Florida with the opportunity to participate in a hands-on gleaning event with the Society of St. Andrew.
The tour included a hayride highlighting different points of production from the perspective of a large-scale farm. Attendees gained an understanding of large-scale cultivation and where our food comes from. Long and Scott’s own farmer Hank and representatives from the Society of St. Andrew shared their passion for agriculture and altruism, highlighting their 25-year partnership.
