Florida Organic Growers

Tune in for our latest Fresh Take episode with Mike Garcia, founder of Everoak Farm in Orlando! Mike shares his inspiring journey from culinary school to sustainable agriculture, where his culinary skills elevate local produce. Discover how he’s building a collaborative food system in Orlando and get valuable insights for aspiring farmers. Also get the inside scoop on the upcoming Field to Fork Farm Day at Everoak Farm on November 14! Listen at: https://bit.ly/4exUVZN #UrbanFarming #SustainableAgriculture #FarmToTable #EverOakFarm #FieldToFork #FloridaFarming

Join us November 1, 2024, from 10am – 2pm for the informative workshop "Organic Research Innovations and Solutions for Florida Farmers" presented by Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. Learn about the benefits of organic farming and innovative research that can be used on your farm. This workshop is designed for all levels of farmers to gain knowledge of a wide variety of practices and strategies that have been used for over 20 years by McLean Family Farms. Participants will also have a chance to participate in a tour led by Dr. Danielle Treadwell which will highlight current research being done at the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit (PSREU).  Whether you're a new or experienced farmer, this workshop offers valuable insights to enhance your organic farming operations.  Space is limited—please register in advance: https://bit.ly/3TX1UTM A light lunch will be provided. We recommend wearing closed-toed shoes and being prepared for outdoor conditions.  For any questions, please contact us at SETOPP@foginfo.org or call 352-377-6345.  This event is part of the USDA's Transition to Organic Partnership Program, supporting farmers transitioning to organic practices.  #OrganicFarming #FloridaAgriculture #SustainableFarming #AgricultureResearch #FarmInnovation #Farmers USDA USDA National Organic Program (Agricultural Marketing Service)

Now Accepting 2024 Organic Certification Cost Share Applications! Florida Organic Growers is excited to announce that we are accepting applications for the 2024 USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP)! Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited funding, with a deadline to apply by October 31, 2024. Certified operations may receive up to 75% of their certification costs paid during the program year, not to exceed $750 per certification scope: • Crops • Wild crops • Livestock • Processing/handling • State Organic Program fees Learn more and apply at: https://lnkd.in/gBcseWH5 #OrganicCertification #OrganicFarming #CostShare #SustainableAgriculture

Tune in for our newest podcast episode- From Kitchen to Cash: Mastering the Art of Cottage Food Business! Discover the essentials of Florida's cottage food laws with Jennifer Hagen, UF/IFAS Extension Agent specializing in Family and Consumer Sciences. In this episode, Jennifer explains how to legally sell homemade food items directly from your kitchen, all while ensuring consumer safety and bypassing commercial food safety regulations. Whether you’re an aspiring food entrepreneur or looking to expand your knowledge, this episode offers invaluable insights into navigating the cottage food industry in Florida. Listen now: https://bit.ly/3BcngWJ 📅BONUS: Join us for an in-depth virtual training on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 12pm – 1pm EST with Jennifer. During this session, we’ll cover Florida’s Cottage Food Exemption, recent legislative updates, and the regulations guiding home-based food production. This is an excellent opportunity to get your questions answered and learn how to grow your small business. Register free at: https://bit.ly/3XvuldT #CottageFoodLaws #Entrepreneurship #FoodBusiness #LocalFood #UFIFAS #VirtualTraining #SmallBusinessSupport

Save the Date! Join us October 10th for The Organic Advantage: Marketing Your Organic Products and Crops workshop hosted by Florida Organic Growers! Time: 10am - 2pm Location: Swallowtail Farm, 7301 SE 92nd Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32641 Learn key organic marketing strategies from Ben McLean III of McLean Family Farms. This free event is perfect for beginner and intermediate farmers looking to enhance their marketing skills and boost their business. Register Now: https://bit.ly/3ZvOqlE **Space is limited—register early to secure your spot!** For questions, contact us at SETOPP@foginfo.org or call 352-377-6345. Supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP). #OrganicMarketing #FloridaOrganicGrowers #SwallowtailFarm #OrganicFarming #FarmersWorkshop #SustainableAgriculture #FarmToTable #GrowOrganic #MarketingYourFarm #FarmBusiness #OrganicFarmingTips #USDAOrganic #TOPP USDA USDA National Organic Program (Agricultural Marketing Service)

Had a fantastic day at the Farm Field Day, engaging in insightful discussions on soil health, regenerative practices, and organic certification steps with friends. Grateful to Hakeem Holmes and Gabriella Soto-Valez from National Center for Appropriate Technology and Florida Organic Growers for the enriching experience. Let's continue the conversation! And a special shoutout to Dunn’s Factory for the delicious catering, perfect for nourishing us after a day in the rain. #FarmFieldDay #OrganicFarming #RegenerativePractices 🌱🌿

Join Florida Organic Growers, the University of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance for a special webinar on October 11th from 11am - 12pm (EST): "An Introduction to Organic Farming and Production in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands." This informative session will explore organic agriculture across the Caribbean, showcasing certified organic products and providing an overview of the unique farming landscapes in these regions. Supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA AMS National Organic Program (NOP), this promises to be an enlightening event for all participants. Register at: https://bit.ly/47miKRs For questions, contact: setopp@foginfo.org #OrganicFarming #SustainableAgriculture #PuertoRicoFarming #VirginIslandsFarming #CaribbeanAgriculture #USDA #TOPP #Webinar #FloridaOrganicGrowers USDA USDA National Organic Program (Agricultural Marketing Service)

September is #NationalFoodSafetyEducationMonth! Tune in to this podcast episode with Dr. Keith Schneider as he discusses the importance of post-harvest water use and strategies to keep produce safe. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why harvest and post-harvest water quality is essential - How cross-contamination can happen - Effective mitigation strategies - The role of sanitizers in producing safe food Listen now at: https://lnkd.in/gYv_8M89 #FoodSafety #ProduceSafety #FSMA #OrganicFarming #FarmToTable #FloridaFarmers #SafeProduce

Join us for the Florida Local Food Project's Virtual Training on Cottage Food and Value-Added Practices! Featuring Jennifer Hagen from UF/IFAS, this session will provide essential insights into Florida’s Cottage Food Exemption and the latest legislative changes. Whether you’re starting a home-based food business or looking to expand your knowledge, this training has got you covered! Secure your spots at: https://bit.ly/3XvuldT

Join us as we chat with Jessica Riles, UF/IFAS Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems Agent in Collier County and Chair of the Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network! Jessica shares her inspiring journey from local government to advocating for small farmers, highlighting the power of community support, relationship-building, and how the Southwest Florida Small Farmer Network connects farmers with essential resources. We also tackle the challenges small farmers face, like labor shortages and high land costs, and dive into innovative solutions such as the Southwest Florida Fresh initiative. Tune in to hear how strategic planning, marketing, and collaboration are helping local farmers thrive and strengthen sustainable food systems in the region! Listen now: https://bit.ly/3ZhTKcn #SupportLocalFarmers #SustainableFood #SmallFarmers #FloridaFarming #SouthwestFlorida #FarmersNetwork #CommunitySupport #AgricultureInnovation