Art Contest FAQs
What are the rules for an art contest entry?
The full rules for entry can be found on our Official Rules page. Please review these rules carefully to ensure your submission complies with all requirements.
How do I submit my artwork?
Essays can be submitted October 1 – November 16, 2026, by 11:59 pm ET, through the online entry form on our website. Please follow the instructions provided on the submission page to ensure that your entry is properly received.
Can I submit more than one piece of art?
No, each student is only allowed to submit one piece of art for consideration. If you submit multiple pieces of art, we will only review and score the artwork you submitted first.
Can I get help with my artwork from a parent, teacher, or friend?
While it’s fine to seek feedback and guidance, the art must be your own work. Direct assistance in creation or significant input from others will not be permitted, as we aim to assess your individual artistic skill.
I do not meet the grade requirement but am very good at art. Can I still enter?
The Farm to School Art Contest is only open to Florida middle school students, meaning students who are in grades 6, 7, or 8 at the time of entry. Unfortunately, we cannot accept submissions from students outside of these grades for this contest.
However, we do have a Florida Farm to School Essay Contest for high school students. Please find more information here.
What are the art contest prizes?
One first-place winner’s artwork will be selected as the official 2027 Florida Farm to School Month artwork and featured on promotional materials distributed statewide.
Additional prizes include recognition at the 2027 Florida Farm to School Conference, a travel stipend to attend, and artwork display at the event.
For complete contest details, eligibility requirements, and judging criteria, review the Official Rules and our Farm to School Art Contest page.
I missed the deadline for my art submission, can I have an extension?
We are unable to grant extensions for missed deadlines. Please ensure that your artwork is submitted by 11:59 pm ET November 16, 2026.
I made an error, can I update my artwork?
Once submitted, artwork cannot be updated or revised. Please ensure that your artwork is final before submission.
How will artwork be judged?
All artwork submissions will be judged by the following criteria.
- Understanding the Topic: 30%
- Creativity & Originality: 30%
- Technical Skill: 30%
- Artist’s Statement: 10%
Your submission will be carefully and impartially reviewed by our judging panel of design and agriculture experts from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Will you be checking artwork for plagiarism or AI-generated content?
Yes, we use plagiarism and artificial intelligence (AI) detection tools to ensure all artwork is original and was not created using AI software. Artwork that is found to be plagiarized or use AI-generated content will be disqualified from the contest.
How will I know you received my artwork?
After submitting your artwork, you will see a confirmation screen letting you know your artwork has been submitted.
Will I be notified if I don’t win the Art Contest?
Winners will be notified on or around January 8, 2027, then announced on our main Farm to School Art Contest page on or around January 31, 2027.
When are Art Contest winners announced?
Winners will be notified on or around January 8, 2027, then announced on our main Farm to School Art Contest page on or around January 31, 2027.
I am a teacher interested in promoting the contest to my students. How can I get involved?
We’d love for you to help spread the word! You can share information about the contest with your students through class announcements, newsletters, or by distributing our contest flyers. We’ve also created ready-made social media and email content for you to help amplify the contest across your and your school’s channels.
How can I learn more about the Florida Farm to School initiative?
You’re in the right place to learn more about Florida’s Farm to School initiative! This website is your one-stop shop for all things Farm to School.
Read about our mission, explore resources designed for teachers, School Nutrition Professionals and producers, learn about our Florida Farm Connect portal – and so much more.