Florida Farm to School Essay Contest
Florida High School Students: Share Your Appreciation for Florida Agriculture to Win Up to $1,500 in College Funds
Whether you have an interest in agriculture, are passionate about nutrition or simply love to write, we invite you to enter the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness’s (FNW) first-ever Florida Farm to School Essay Contest.
This Farm to School Month, submit an original essay responding to one of our three topics – each designed to celebrate and reflect on the tremendous contributions of Florida farmers and the benefits of eating locally grown foods. We will choose three winners to receive up to $1,500 in college funding and meet Florida’s Agricultural Commissioner Wilton Simpson – plus additional prizes, outlined below.
Contest is open now through November 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST.
Write a letter thanking a local farmer – real or fictional – for their contributions to your school, community and/or overall health.
Write a persuasive letter to convince your peers to eat more locally grown foods, emphasizing the connection between Florida agriculture and nutrition.
Imagine you were a farmer in your community. Write about what you would grow and why, and how your farm would contribute to your school and community.
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.
Word Count
Minimum 500 words, maximum 800 words (excluding any titles, references and footnotes). References and footnotes are not required.
You will also be asked to write a short personal statement when you submit your entry. This will not be scored.
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.
Contest Milestones
October 1, 2024: Contest Entry Form Opens
November 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm EST: Submission Deadline
December 15, 2024: Winners are Notified
How to Apply
To apply, simply complete our Contest Entry Form and upload your original essay responding to one of our three topics. Please submit your essay as a Word Document.
Questions?
Review our Frequently Asked Questions. Don’t see what you need? Contact our team at [email protected].
Meet the Commissioner
All winners will have the opportunity to participate together in an exclusive “Meet the Commissioner” Experience with Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson in Tallahassee. We will provide a travel stipend for each winner. Timing to be determined.
Additional prizes include:
$1,500 Scholarship (via Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan)
Your essay published in Specialty Crop Grower magazine
In-person recognition at our Florida Farm to School Conference March 2025 (with travel stipend)
$1,000 Scholarship
(via Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan)
$500 Scholarship
(via Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan)