Attendees listening to presentations by UF researchers.
Florida Organic Growers (FOG) recently held a farm tour at Allison Acres Organic Blueberry Farm in Pinetta. FOG hosts many tours like this throughout the year for several different reasons.
Tyler Nesbit, FOG’s education and outreach coordinator, believes hosting these events is extremely beneficial for all growers, whether they are certified organic or looking to transition.
Nesbit says that even if the farmer is already certified, these events provide a space for connection with other organic farmers, as well as an opportunity to pick the brains of Extension agents who work with organics. All organic growers know the challenges of running an organic production system, so these events are designed to make those issues a little easier.
Moreover, Nesbit says tours are great events for growers looking to make the transition into organics. “For the transitioning folks, I think it’s really helpful to see successful organic operations to build their confidence that it will work,” he says.
Nesbit adds that another underlying purpose of farm tours is for growers to network with each other and find allies within their region of production.
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