It’s time to nominate a local farm for Florida Farm Bureau Federation’s County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship (CARES) program. The program recognizes farmers and ranchers who outstandingly demonstrate what farmers do to protect Florida’s natural resources.
Farms are considered based on best management practices in the following areas: water quality and water conservation, land conservation and soil health, pesticide and nutrient management, and waste management or recycling.
Winners receive recognition at the Annual Volusia County Farm Bureau Meeting, bragging rights, and a sign to display on their farm.
Past CARES winners in Volusia County include; 2023, Richard Hagstrom, Richard Hagstrom Ferneries, 2022, Alpha Fern Company, The Magnolia Company, Urban Forestry Works, Underhill Ferneries, J. Register Farms, in 2020, Trevor Starling, Starling Nursery, and in 2019, Albin Hagstrom & Son, Inc.
To nominate a local farmer or your own farm, and for nomination details visit https://www.thisfarmcares.org/nominate. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2024. Recipients will be notified no later than July 1, 2024.
Email questions regarding the nomination process to ThisFarmCARES@ffbf.org or contact the CARES Coordinator at (352) 363-0667.