2026 Florida Farm to School Conference
ROOTED IN COMMITMENT
The 2026 Florida Farm to School Conference theme, Rooted in Commitment, celebrates our shared dedication to connecting students with locally grown Florida commodities and enriching their learning with nutrition and agriculture education. Together, we’re inspiring a deeper appreciation for where students’ food comes from and why it matters.
Join educators, school nutrition professionals, farmers and advocates from across Florida to share regional successes and collaborate on strategies for growing your Farm to School efforts.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
Our agenda will focus on practical tools and insights aligned with Farm to School’s three core pillars: School Gardens, Agricultural Education and Procurement. We look forward to strengthening connections, inspiring innovation and growing the future of Farm to School in Florida, together.
We’re excited to welcome you to a new city and venue for our 2026 Conference: the Tampa Convention Center!
Located on the scenic waterfront in downtown Tampa, the Convention Center offers easy access to hotels, restaurants and local attractions, making it the perfect setting to connect, collaborate and celebrate Florida’s Farm to School initiative.
Hotel Details: Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa
Book your room today at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa, connected to the Convention Center. The deadline to book is March 9th, 2026.
“Growing the Future” Award categories include:
- Award for Excellence in Agriculture Education: Honors an outstanding educator or program that demonstrates innovation, impact and leadership in agricultural education and student engagement.
- Florida Farm to School Producer of the Year: Recognizes a Florida-based farmer or producer who has made exceptional contributions to connecting local agriculture with school nutrition programs and/or student education.
- Golden Shovel Award for Excellence in School Gardening: Celebrates a school, district or individual whose commitment to school gardening has cultivated student learning.
Calling All Florida Farmers & Vendors!
Be part of the 2026 Florida Farm to School Conference by applying to join us at the Farmers Market Expo on April 8 — a signature event within the Conference that connects you directly with school nutrition professionals, educators and other stakeholders passionate about sourcing fresh Florida products for their schools.
This high-impact event is designed to showcase your products, build relationships and open doors to new procurement opportunities in schools statewide.
The best part? There’s no cost to participate!
Space is limited. Applications are required and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis — so we encourage you to apply early!
- Connect with schools looking to purchase from local farms.
- Sample your products with school meal decision-makers at our Farmers Market Expo. Applications are required.
- Network with and learn from fellow farmers already selling to schools.
- Attend interactive presentations and workshops designed to give you tips and resources to simplify selling to schools.
- Explore how to get involved with students’ agricultural education to inspire the next generation of farmers.
- Network with other SNPs from across the state to learn best practices and get inspiration.
- Understand changes to procurement processes that can help you source local commodities more efficiently and cost effectively.
- Sample a variety of Florida foods, while networking with local farmers and producers.
- Attend hands-on workshops and recipe demonstrations, showcasing innovative ways to use fresh, local ingredients in school meals while gaining CEUs.
- Access the latest strategies and resources to incorporate nutrition and agriculture education into your curriculum.
- Network with fellow educators and share best practices for developing engaging education programs for students of all grade levels.
- Explore the benefits of school gardens and how they can provide hands-on learning experiences for your students.
- Attend immersive workshops and visit a local farm.
We’re here to help!
Please reach out to Jason Dial at [email protected].
No Solicitation Policy
To maintain the integrity and professionalism of this event, solicitation of event attendees, staff or any individuals present at the event venue—including those affiliated with the event or otherwise—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). This includes solicitation by or on behalf of any individual, organization, business, club, or society.
The distribution of literature, pamphlets, products, or other materials in any area of the event venue is also prohibited unless prior approval has been granted by FDACS. This applies to distribution by or to associates, attendees, staff, or any other individuals present.
Violations of this policy may result in immediate removal from the event and/or further action as deemed appropriate by FDACS.