Opportunities Abound with AGRItunity 2010

AGRItunity 2010 is coming to Sumter County on Saturday, January 23, 2010! This conference and trade show is in the 4th year of providing opportunities for farmers, ranchers and people interested in agriculture to learning, network, meet suppliers and explore the possibilites of starting or changing an agricultural operation. This year our keynote speakers will be Al and Erin Rosas of Rosas Farms in Ocala. Their successful operations includes grass-fed beef, eco-retreats and other pragmatic organic products. Breakout sessions include heritage vegetable production, farm food safety, grass-fed beef production, horse health, beekeeping, stone fruits and much more. The trade show will include many suppliers that are important for farmers, as well as large equipment and livestock displays.

AGRItunity 2010 will expand this year to include Friday activities such as a farm tour and a local foods cook-off! The cook-off will feature local chefs preparing locally grown foods and you can be the judge! For information about attending, becoming an exhibitor, participating in the cook-off or any other aspect of AGRItunity please call (352) 793-2728. You can register and pay online by visiting http://sumter.ifas.ufl.edu/.

A "Real" Farmers Market Opens This Week

Finally, it is here! The opening day of the Wildwood Growers' Market. The market will begin October 24th from 9 AM to 1 PM at Wildwood City Hall on Main Street (301) in Wildwood.

Produce and plant vendors must be growers of their products and from within 100 miles of Sumter County. Local artists and crafters are encouraged to sell their goods at the market as well. There will be other food booths and local entertainment.

Home gardeners can sell their extra produce at the home gardener table ($5 per week). Charitable and school organizations are encouraged to use the market as a fundraiser by selling drinks or food.

While there are many farmers' markets in the area, this one is unique because you will be able to meet the farmers that produce the food and plants. The variety of produce will change with the seasons, according to what is available locally.

My hat is off to the City of Wildwood for embracing the growers' market concept and putting the resources behind it to make it a success. I hope many of you will make a Saturday stroll at the market a part of your regular weekend routine. For more information contact me at (352) 793-2728.