Farm Bureaus share innovative programs through County Activities of Excellence at annual meeting

Farm Bureaus share innovative programs through County Activities of Excellence at annual meeting

Four counties presented their inventive and successful ideas and activities last week at the Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Orlando. The winners of the 2008 Florida Farm Bureau County Activities of Excellence were Santa Rosa, Hillsborough, Broward and Polk County Farm Bureaus.

The programs were recognized for the unique and resourceful ways county Farm Bureaus reach out to the public, their communities and their members.

Santa Rosa County Farm Bureau’s activity was called FOCUS (Farmers Offering Consumers Untold Savings). This program, designed by the young farmer and rancher groups from both Santa Rosa and Escambia counties, is meant to educate the public and elected officials about the importance of agriculture to the economy and to their daily lives.

Hillsborough County Farm Bureau shared their idea of “Ag-Abilities” program for special needs students in their local school district. The students are taught ornamental horticulture, flower arranging, tractor driving and the food pyramid. The courses are designed with the unique challenges of the students in mind and allows them the opportunity to participate in agricultural competitions.

Broward County Farm Bureau shared their “Taste of South Florida” day-long exposition displaying local agricultural products and allowing producers to meet first-hand with the community. This program was designed to inform the public about local agriculture and Broward County Farm Bureau.

Polk County Farm Bureau submitted their “Grassroots in Action” policy implementation program. Polk County has successfully rallied members and leaders to promote and protect agriculture through involvement in local issues including property rights, land use changes, labor issues and funding for the county’s agricultural Extension program.

Each of these county Farm Bureaus are presenting their innovative, action-oriented activities during the Florida Farm Bureau’s 67th Annual Meeting this week at the Peabody in Orlando. Winning counties received a cash prize from the Florida Farm Bureau and their entries were submitted to the 2009 American Farm Bureau Federation County Activities of Excellence program. Programs selected by AFBF will receive up to $2,000 to put toward the cost of exhibiting their winning activities at the AFBF annual meeting Jan. 11-14, 2009 at San Antonio, Texas.