FLORIDA FARM TO SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST
Open to Florida High School Students
What would you grow if you were a Florida farmer? How would your farm support your community and local schools? Put your imagination to work in the 3rd Annual Florida Farm to School Essay Contest, hosted by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS).
Open to Florida students in grades 9-12, the contest challenges participants to explore the role Florida agriculture plays in feeding communities and strengthening connections between farms and schools. Submit an original essay for a chance to earn up to $3,000 in college funds, receive recognition at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, and more.
The contest opens October 1, 2026, and closes November 16, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
TOPIC: IF I WERE A FARMER
Imagine you are a farmer in your Florida community. Write about what you would grow and why, how your farm connects to your community, and how it would impact the schools and students around you.
As you develop your essay, consider:
- What crops or products would your farm produce? (Remember, your farm is in Florida!)
- How is your farm intertwined with your community? What inspired it, and how did your community’s needs shape what you chose to grow?
- How does your farm impact the schools and students in your community?
Creative approaches are encouraged! As long as your submission is an essay that addresses the above and meets the submission guidelines, how you tell the story is up to you.
CONTEST MILESTONES
October 1, 2026: Contest entry form opens
November 16, 2026, at 11:59PM ET: Submission deadline
January 8, 2027: Deadline for winners to be notified
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
The contest is open to Florida students in grades 9 – 12, including those in public, private, and charter schools, as well as virtual and home-schooled students. Students may submit one entry.
WORD COUNT
Minimum 500 words, maximum 800 words (excluding your title and any references or footnotes). References and footnotes are not required.
One 500-800 word original essay responding to the 2026 Florida Farm to School Essay Contest topic above.
In 100 words or fewer, tell us what inspired your essay and how it connects to the contest theme. (This will not be scored.)
A few quick details about you, your school, and a parent or guardian.
Judging Criteria
Konpreyansyon sijè a: 30%
Did the student address the main aspects of the prompt? Is there a clear and logical connection to Florida agriculture?
Creativity and Literary Style: 25%
Is the approach original and their own voice?
Efikasite: 25%
Do they effectively demonstrate their point of view or the story they’re telling?
Grammar and Spelling: 20%
Is their writing technically sound?
ORIGINALITY
We want to read your original work. All essays will be screened for plagiarism and use of artificial intelligence (AI) software. Any plagiarism or use of AI detected will result in disqualification.
$3,000 Scholarship
$1,500 from FDACS via a Florida Investment 529 Plan and a matching $1,500 award from R.C. Hatton Farms
Your essay published in an agricultural publication
Invitation to be recognized at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, plus a travel stipend
$2,000 Scholarship
$1,000 from FDACS via a Florida Investment 529 Plan and a matching $1,000 award from R.C. Hatton Farms
Invitation to be recognized at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, plus a travel stipend
Bous detid $1,000
$500 from FDACS via a Florida Investment 529 Plan and a matching $500 award from R.C. Hatton Farms
Invitation to be recognized at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, plus a travel stipend
Simon T. from Miami-Dade County
Simon drew on memories from his abuela’s kitchen and his volunteering experience to imagine how fresh, culturally familiar foods can strengthen his school community.
Essay Excerpt:
“One day, a younger camper…stared at a fresh tomatillo like it was an alien. He had only seen food from cans or plastic trays before. I showed him how to peel off the papery husk, and his hands got sticky. He held it up to his nose, surprised by the smell. Later, when we chopped it and mixed it into a simple salsa, he took a bite and smiled like he had discovered a new world. That moment stayed with me, making me realize how many kids grow up without ever touching or tasting food in its real form.”
Helena P. from St. Johns County
A longtime 4‑H member and National 4‑H Pollinator Ambassador, Helena brings hands‑on farm experience and a passion for agricultural education to everything she does.
Essay Excerpt:
“As a fourth-generation farmer, I am struck by the profound nature of my occupation. As I share my knowledge and experience with visitors and schools, I am also sharing my heritage and sustaining my family legacy. To think my ancestors have lived on this land for over 100 years fills me with pride, and a steadfast determination to continue this tradition…Every day spent in these fields is a day well spent. I’m proud to be a Florida farmer.”
Ashlyn D. from Hillsborough County
An FFA student leader committed to advocating for agriculture, Ashlyn uses public speaking and outreach to inspire peers from non‑agricultural communities to get involved in the industry.
Essay Excerpt:
“Seeing customers’ faces reminds me why I started in the first place. For as long as I can remember, plants, pigs and chickens have been my passion, and I’ve spent every day living my dream of raising and selling them. It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in my horticulture class learning about the structures of vegetable roots, only to now be the one growing them…So being able to mentor kids through their own projects means more than any banner or buckle ever could.”
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