Virtual Producer Training
The Florida Farm to School Virtual Producer Training is designed for farmers and producers interested in launching or expanding their efforts to sell Florida-grown products to local school markets. The training is broken into six modules to help you understand the opportunities available, determine the best path forward for your farm or business, and take practical steps toward partnering with schools.
Learn to Grow Your Business with Florida Farm to School
Within this self-paced online training, you will learn about:
- Florida Farm Connect, a free online portal that connects schools, farmers and producers, and distributors.
- How school markets work, including what schools buy, how they plan menus, and when they make purchasing decisions.
- The procurement and bid process, including micro-purchases and other ways schools purchase local products.
- Food safety, product, packaging, and pricing considerations for selling to schools.
- Ways to find and connect with schools and distributors looking for Florida-grown products.
- And so much more!
Just getting started? Each module is outlined below.
Module 1: Introduction
The Introduction Module covers:
- An overview of the Florida Farm to School initiative.
- Next steps for connecting with schools through our Florida Farm Connect Portal and how to sign up.
- An overview of the Florida Farm to School website for easy navigation.
- The power of Farm to School and how it can benefit your business.
Module 2: Getting to Know School Markets
Module 2 covers:
- What programs are available in Florida for viability of school markets.
- Menu planning process for schools and how you can meet their menu needs throughout the school year.
- Types of school meal programs in Florida.
- Ways of cooking and distributing meals in schools.
Module 3: Selling to School Markets
Module 3 covers:
- An overview of food purchasing within the school system and timing.
- Steps of the procurement process and standards that schools follow.
- Definitions of “local.”
- Definitions of informal and formal procurement processes.
- Market channels for selling to schools (direct to schools, distributors, etc.).
- Choosing the right channel to get your Florida goods into schools.
Module 4: Navigating Food Safety Standards
Module 4 covers:
- Food safety standards all Florida schools follow.
- Resources and contacts for food safety practices.
- Record keeping resources and processes.
Module 5: Choosing the Right Product
Module 5 covers:
- What products Florida schools may enjoy most for their menus.
- Considerations for product pricing when selling to schools.
- A look into what it could cost to produce for schools.
- Assessments of your farm’s capacity for production and volume of product.
- Reviewing packing and labeling requirements for products.
Module 6: Stay Connected with Florida Farm to School
Module 6 covers:
- Ways to stay involved with Florida Farm to School beyond this training.
- Opportunities to connect with and learn from other producers, educators, school nutrition teams, and Farm to School advocates.
Florida F2S Academy
Florida Farm Connect for Producers
Annual Farmers Market Expo
Konferans Farm to School Florida