I recently partnered with Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association to take a trip to Fort Myers, Florida. There we visited local farms and learned about agriculture and the process it takes to truly acquire and sustain the “farm to table” experience for consumers. Our trip was sponsored by American Seed Trade Association, Florida Radishes and Fresh From Florida.
As a mom of three young children and the primary cook in my family, learning how food is produced and sourced is of importance to me. Having that firsthand knowledge of when certain commodities are in season and the techniques used in planting seeds to produce fruit and vegetables helps me make informed decisions while grocery shopping for my family. Also, learning their shelf-life timeline from the ground to the shelves they eventually get stocked on was very eye opening.
Planting Seeds
Seeds play a vital role in producing fruits and vegetables across Florida. Our first stop during our farm tour was to a seed research facility called Sakata Seed America. We met a plethora of researchers who shared with us the science behind fruit and vegetable production. I was blown away to learn that it can take up to 10 years from research to planting and ultimately harvesting a watermelon. Wow! So, the next time you grab one from the grocery store remember how much time went into bringing the watermelon to life!
A Journey of a thousand miles starts with one step”
Japanese Proverb
Sakata is committed to working towards zero hunger by creating vegetable seed varieties adapted to changing climate.
Meet the Farmers who help grow food in Florida
We had the amazing opportunity to explore several farms during our tour. On the tour, we got up close and personal with the oranges, tomatoes and potatoes commodities to name a few.
Have you ever picked oranges right off the tree and took a bite? Or personally dug up your own potatoes from the ground? I can now officially say I have, and boy was it a fun experience!
Did you know Florida is a top producer of over 200 commodities? Did you also know that some form of agriculture exists in every county? Thanks to one of our tour guides, Craig Frey, of UF/IFAS we learned a lot of statistics on agriculture in Florida. Below is a breakdown of the farms we visited and what commodity they produce.
- Lipman Family Farms (tomatoes)
- Tamiami Citrus (oranges)
- Troyer Brothers (potatoes)
- Mobley Plant World (sources a variety of crops)
- Melon 1 (watermelon)
“So, next time you’re at the grocery store, choose “Fresh From Florida.” Not only are you getting locally grown food that’s fresher, you’re also helping support Florida farmers.” – Fresh From Florida
Tomato Basil Salad
This recipe is inspired by all of the fresh produce I was surrounded by during the farming tour. I put together an easy breezy summer salad dish reminding me of my trip to the farms. This salad features Fresh from Florida produce and Dandy Radishes!
- INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 of red onions
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/2 cup of radishes
- 1 avocado
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
DIRECTIONS: Wash, dry and chop tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes. Dice the red onion into small pieces. Cut the avocado in half and remove seed, then dice the remaining avocado. Roll basil leaves together then dice into slivers. Combine all ingredients in a large salad bowl. Garnish with your favorite vinaigrette dressing of choice! Set in the fridge for 30 minutes and serve cold.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
As we all know, fresh and local ingredients can elevate our culinary adventures to new heights. By choosing to back our local agricultural heroes, we’re not only getting the freshest produce but also contributing to our community’s sustainability and economy. Here’s how you can make a delicious difference.
First and foremost, frequent your local farmers’ markets. Florida is blessed with a climate that allows for a wide variety of produce year-round. From juicy oranges to crisp greens, the farmers’ market is a treasure trove of seasonal delights. Not only do these markets offer the freshest ingredients, but they also provide a direct way to meet and support the farmers who grow your food. Building relationships with these farmers can give you a deeper appreciation for where your food comes from and the hard work involved in producing it. Whether you frequent farmer markets or the traditional grocery stores, be sure to look for the “Fresh From Florida” labels or any type of marker that indicates your produce is coming from Florida!
Another fantastic way to support Florida farmers is by joining a Community Supported Agriculture program through Fresh From Florida. With some CSA programs, you can subscribe to receive a regular box of fresh, seasonal produce straight from the farm. This is a great option for busy families and foodies who love trying new ingredients but don’t always have the time to shop. Plus, it’s like getting a delightful surprise delivered to your doorstep! Many Florida farms offer CSA memberships, and some even include farm-fresh eggs, meats, and dairy products. Be sure to inquire about these types of programs within your local farming communities. If you need help in locating a CSA please check here.
Lastly, let’s not forget the power of spreading the word. Share your love for Florida produce on social media, tag the farms, and use hashtags like #SupportLocalFarmers, #FreshFromFlorida and #FloridaFresh. Your enthusiasm can inspire others in our foodie community to make local choices, too. Hosting a dinner party? Showcase your beautiful, locally-sourced ingredients and tell your guests about the farmers who grew them. Together, we can create a ripple effect that boosts our local agriculture and keeps our food system vibrant and resilient.
So, next time you’re planning your meals, remember that by supporting Florida farmers, you’re nourishing your family with the best quality ingredients and giving back to the community that makes it all possible. Let’s keep our tables vibrant and our local farms thriving, one delicious bite at a time!
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