They say the best way to learn about something and understand it is to experience it, and the same is true for Florida agriculture. I’ll admit that like most Florida residents, I was pretty naive about our state’s agriculture industry until I started visiting local ag operations and surrounding myself with the brightest minds in the industry so I could soak up all the knowledge I could.
My own experiences at Dakin Dairy Farm, Bee-Haven Honey Farm, Njoy Spirits Distillery, Wild Goose Farms, Fancy Farms, Cow Creek Farm, and countless other locations opened my eyes to all the moving pieces and hard work it takes to get food to the table.
That’s exactly why agritourism and farm tours are so important. They foster experiences that educate people and help them better understand and appreciate the individuals who provide their food, clothing, and so much more. Obviously those aren’t the only reason they’re important. The additional stream of income can help offset operation costs for even the smallest of farms.
The 2013 agritourism ordinance that cleared the way for growers and ranchers to open their operations to the public did more than educate the public and create more revenue. It forged a mutually beneficial bond between farms and the community.
At a time when each generation becomes further removed from the farm, that connection is more important than ever. You might even say our future depends on it.
