FLORIDA FARM TO SCHOOL ART CONTEST
Open to Florida Middle School Students
Do you enjoy drawing, painting, or designing? Are you inspired by Florida agriculture, local foods, and the connection between farms and schools? Bring your ideas to life in the inaugural Florida Farm to School Art Contest, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Open to Florida students in grades 6-8, the contest encourages participants to express what Farm to School means to them through original artwork inspired by Florida agriculture, fresh local foods, school gardens, and agricultural education. Submit one original piece of 2D artwork for a chance to see your work featured on official 2027 Florida Farm to School Month materials, displayed at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, and recognized statewide.
The contest opens October 1, 2026, and closes November 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Farm to School Through My Eyes
Create an original piece of 2D artwork celebrating Florida agriculture and how it connects to your school and community.
Explore the connections between Florida farms and your everyday life. Your artwork might be inspired by local farmers and ranchers, fresh Florida-grown foods, school meals, school gardens, agricultural education, or any other way Farm to School programs bring local agriculture into schools and communities.
As you develop your concept, ask yourself:
- What Florida-grown foods are important in my community?
- How do Florida farmers help schools and families?
- What does Farm to School mean to me?
- What makes Florida agriculture unique?
Your artwork may be realistic or imaginative, but it should clearly celebrate Florida agriculture and Farm to School.
CONTEST MILESTONES
October 1, 2026: Contest entry form opens
November 16, 2026, 11:59 pm ET: Submission deadline
January 8, 2027: Deadline for winners to be notified
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The contest is open to Florida students in grades 6 – 8, including those in public, private, and charter schools, as well as virtual and home-schooled students. Students may submit one entry.
Parents and guardians: Entries should be submitted with a parent or guardian’s permission and supervision.
One original 2D piece celebrating Florida agriculture and Farm to School, uploaded as a high-image file. Your piece could be a drawing, painting, print, digital illustration, or graphic art.
100 words or less on what inspired your piece and how it connects to our 2026 prompt. This will contribute to your final score.
A few quick details about you, your school, and a parent or guardian.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
To ensure the winning design can be reproduced and printed on Florida Farm to School Month materials, all entries must follow these guidelines:
- Artwork must be an original, two-dimensional (2D) creation. Examples of accepted mediums include drawing, painting, printmaking, digital illustration, and graphic art.
- Artwork may be created by hand or digitally, but the final submission must be capable of being reproduced in a 2D format.
- Entries must be the student’s own original work and creative concept.
- Artwork may not include artificial intelligence (AI)-generated imagery or content; traced artwork; copyrighted images, logos, stock images, or clip art; or content that reproduces another person’s artwork, photograph, or design.
- Entries should be submitted as a high-quality digital file or a clear photograph or scan of the original artwork.
- Students should avoid including small text or intricate details that may not reproduce clearly when printed.
- Each submission must include a brief artist statement (100 words or less) describing the inspiration behind the artwork and how it reflects the contest theme.
Judging Criteria
Every entry is reviewed by a panel of judges using the same four criteria.
Understanding the Topic: 30%
Does the artwork show a clear, specific connection to Florida agriculture and Farm to School?
Creativity & Originality: 30%
Does the artwork present ideas in a creative, original, and engaging way while showing imagination and artistic expression?
Technical Skill: 30%
Does the artwork demonstrate technical skill, such as linework, contrast, color, or thoughtful composition? Does it demonstrate attention to detail and craftsmanship?
Artist’s Statement: 10%
Is there a strong correspondence between the written statement and the visual image?
Submissions will be carefully and impartially reviewed by our judging panel of design professionals and nutrition and agriculture experts from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
FIRST PLACE
One first-place winner will receive:
- Their piece selected as the official 2027 Florida Farm to School Month artwork and featured on promotional materials distributed to schools statewide
- Artwork displayed at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference
- Special recognition at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, including a travel stipend to attend
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Several honorable mentions will receive:
- Their artwork displayed at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference
- Their artwork featured on the FDACS Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’s digital platforms and social media channels
QUESTIONS?
Review our Frequently Asked Questions.
Don’t see what you need? Contact our team at [email protected].