Support Your Local Farmer

I was recently at a U-Pick strawberries farm just a few miles from my house in Seminole County, and it really got me thinking about where my family gets their fresh produce and how much of it comes from Florida. I’ve noticed there’s been a growing trend to buy local, fresh foods, as well as a move to support local farms and businesses. I’m really thrilled to see this, especially since I want my kids to get a better understanding that our food didn’t originally come from the supermarket.

If you live in Florida, chances are there is a farm near you. Florida’s agriculture industry is second only to tourism, and more than 80% of all fresh vegetables eaten throughout the winter in the United States come from Florida. What’s grown here? Well, Florida is first in production in the U.S. for oranges, fresh market tomatoes, watermelons, grapefruit, sugarcane, fresh market snap beans, and fresh market cucumbers. Florida ranks second in bell peppers, strawberries, fresh market sweet corn, spring potatoes, peanuts, tangerines, and avocados.

If you’re looking for the freshest produce available, I highly recommend downloading this Florida Seasonal Availability Chart. Here are some other tips on getting local food:

• Buy produce from a roadside produce stand (ask if it’s local to be sure)
• Shop for in-season fruits and vegetables at a farmers’ market
• Start your own garden or join a community garden
• Participate in a Farm-to-School garden near you (or start one)
• Eat at Farm-to-Table restaurants
• Go to a U-Pick Farm

In the meantime, visit a farm near you and shake hands with your local farmer. You’ll be glad you did. Below is a list of some of the farmers near me.

So, get out and Do florida!
Chad


U-PICK FARMS (CHECK ONLINE FOR SEASONAL AVAILABILITY)

Claire Berries, Blueberry Farm
18751 Lake Pickett Road, Orlando, FL 32820
https://www.facebook.com/claireberriesblueberryupickfarm

Pappy’s Patch U-Pick
700 Florida Avenue, Oviedo, FL 32765
Strawberries Winter thru Spring, blueberries in Spring, Fall Corn maze
https://www.facebook.com/pappysstrawberries

Soggy Acres Pomelo Grove
100 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, FL 32708
Pomelo fruit available in Winter
http://visitseminole.com/things-to-do/agri-tours/soggy-acres-pomelo-grove

U-Pick Berry Farm
500 Snowhill Rd, Geneva, FL 32732
Blueberries and Blackberries in Spring and Summer.
https://www.facebook.com/upickberriesgeneva

Whites’ Red Hill Grove
7218 Ronald Reagan Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773
Roadside market and packing house. Citrus, jellies, candies, baskets and shipping available. U-pick hydroponic strawberries available in season.
https://www.redhillgroves.com

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LOCAL FARMERS’ MARKETS AND LOCAL GROCERS

Baggs Produce
2485 Sanford Ave, Sanford, FL
http://visitseminole.com/things-to-do/agri-tours/baggs-produce-market


Chamberlin’s Natural Foods
Florida locations in Altamonte Springs, Oviedo, Orlando, Kissimmee, and Lakeland
http://www.chamberlins.com

Earth Origins
3005 W. Lake Mary Blvd, Lake Mary, FL 32746
https://earthoriginsmarket.com

Geneva Heritage Farmers Market
2993 W. Osceola Road, Geneva, FL 32732
https://www.facebook.com/GenevaHeritageFarmersMarket

Goldsboro Farmers Market
Westside Community Center
919 S. Persimmon Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Goldsboro-Farmers-Market/1389380651095428

Historic Longwood Farmers & Artisans Market
300 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd, Longwood, FL 32779
https://www.longwoodfl.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=144

Hoover’s Market
1035 Academy Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714
http://www.hooversmarket.com

Lake Mary Farmers Market
100 N. Country Club Road, Lake Mary, FL 32746
https://www.facebook.com/LakeMaryFarmersMarket

Maitland Farmers Market
701 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, FL
https://www.itsmymaitland.com/community-events.aspx?a=viewPost&PostID=13022

Ol’ Barn Junktiques
2993 W Osceola Road, Geneva, FL 32732
https://www.facebook.com/olbarnjunktiques

Oviedo Farmers Market
200 W. Broadway Street, Oviedo, FL 32765
https://www.facebook.com/OviedoFarmersMarket

Sanford Farmers Market
Downtown Square 200, S. Magnolia Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771
http://www.sanfordfl.gov/index.aspx?page=1021

Winter Park Farmers Market
200 W. New England Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
https://cityofwinterpark.org/departments/parks-recreation/farmers-market

Winter Springs Farmers Market
1196 Tree Swallow Drive, Winter Springs, FL 32708
https://www.facebook.com/WinterSpringsFarmersMarket


Wild Hare Kitchen and Garden Emporium
335 N. Ronald Reagan Blvd. Longwood, FL 32750
https://www.wildharekitchen.com

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About the Host/Creator

As a native Floridian, Chad Crawford has always loved his home state, and he’s made it his mission to share it with the world. He’s often called Florida’s Ambassador for this very reason. Emmy award-winning how to Do florida with Chad Crawford began as a way to combine Chad’s passions – filmmaking, Florida, and literally anything outdoors – but has evolved into a passion project. The more he travels the state, meeting people whose livelihood is the land (and water), the more aware he has become of the issues facing Florida – namely the water crisis. ​He has worked alongside Florida Fish and Wildlife, Coastal Conservation Association, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Agriculture, Everglades Foundation, Captains for Clean Water, and author Richard Louv in directed efforts to help preserve Florida’s natural resources, and to communicate how we can all be part of solving the environmental problems the state is facing today. ​

Recognizing that the next generation needs be part of this conversation, he created an Emmy award-winning kids’ show, The Outsiders Club. The series is geared toward kids and young families, takes place outdoors, and educates viewers in a fun and meaningful way about how they can care for Florida’s environment. Chad uses his platforms to create fans of Florida, but more importantly, he’s interested in creating advocates for Florida. He often says, “When people experience the real Florida they are more likely to take interest in the issues that affect it.”  His famous sign-off “Get out and Do Florida” has incited a movement of people, stoking renewed interest in our state’s environmental issues. He encourages his fans to both enjoy Florida and be part of preserving its resources, saying, “If we all do just a little, well, that’s a lot.” Chad and his wife live in Central Florida with their four children.
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