Duval County: Start Farming Panel

On November 8, the Duval Soil and Water Conservation District hosted a public workshop in partnership with Duval IFAS to showcase local farmers and the work they do. The workshop gave the public the opportunity to ask questions about their work, life, and obstacles.  The Start Farming: Panel and Farmers Market was a first of it's kind for us, but a great way to network with current and future farmers in Duval County.  

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Thank you to our panelists!

• JuCoby Pittman of Clara White Mission & White Harvest Farms Market.  JuCoby discussed the White Harvest Farm collaboration with Sysco Foods, their Farm-to-Jobs approach in training students in Culinary Arts via Ashley Street Catering, and talked about their ongoing work to feed the homeless via the Clara White Mission. It was a pleasure to hear from Ms. Pittman. 
• Brian Lapinski of Down to Earth Farm talked about the hardship of being a north Florida farmer due to sandy soils and weather events. Down to Earth Farm operates a CSA (Fall 2017 openings available!), their longstanding participation in local farmer's markets, and their flower sale business. They have a dinner coming up on December 2: Dinner from the Farm - Argentine Asado. Get your tickets! 
• Michael Griffin of Diamond D Ranch is a 3rd generation Florida cattleman and has experienced growth and recession on his ranch. Michael talked about the long hours of working cattle, and the expansion of the farm as a venue for school field trips, hay rides, weddings, horse rides and festivals. Diamond D Ranch is planning upcoming fundraiser events for Florida Governor and as a part of his church service. 
• Scott Meyer of Congaree and Penn shared insight on being a Florida rice grower and the significant risk taken in becoming a food manufacturer. Scott talked about several different product ideas from his farm including olives, heritage jams, pecan oil, shrub, sake, and 7 different kinds of rice.  Scott is partnering with properties in Louisiana and southern Georgia to expand rice growing efforts, and continues to use his farm as a nursery and rice field.  Check out their unique holiday farm gift ideas and shop directly on the farm during Christmas at Congaree, December 17! 

We'd also like to give a special thank you to the vendors that helped provide insight on several other local initiatives. 

• Fleet Farming Riverside shared information on front yard, community supported farmlettes in the urban Riverside neighborhood.
• Slow Food First Coast shared information about their philosophies, labeling, and the upcoming 5th annual Tour de Farm. 
• North Florida Land Trust shared information on agricultural conservation easements and land trust initiatives in north Florida. 
• St. Johns River Water Management District shared conservation funding technical program assistance information through the state .
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helped folks enroll in the BMP program and shared best management practice techniques with producers. 
• Duval Agricultural Extension Office shared information on community workshops to learn more about food manufacturing, canning, beekeeping, vegetable growing and more. 
• Natural Resources Conservation Service shared conservation funding technical program assistance information through the federal USDA Farm Bill. 

Contact us for more information on any of these efforts or to learn more about how to Start Farming!