Agriculture enthusiasts are invited to step into the rural side of Volusia County during the 43rd Annual Farm Tour on Friday, Nov. 22. The 43rd Annual Farm Tour provides a rare chance to connect with the individuals who make Volusia County’s agricultural industry thrive. Whether you’re interested in sustainable farming, enjoying farm-fresh produce, or simply learning more about rural life, this event promises something for everyone.
From growing crops to raising livestock, agriculture plays an essential role in feeding families and sustaining the local economy. The UF/IFAS Extension and Volusia County Farm Bureau have partnered with local farmers and producers to showcase their innovative farming practices, diverse products, and passion for sustainable agriculture. Tour stops include:
West Volusia
- 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. – Spring Garden Ranch (900 Spring Garden Ranch Road, DeLeon Springs): Established in 1949 as a cattle and dairy farm, Spring Garden Ranch is North America’s largest standardbred training facility. Set on 148 acres, it now serves as a year-round venue for harness racing, with a track, tack rooms, and RV park.
- 10 to 11 a.m. – EFG Orchids (4265 Marsh Road, DeLand): A family-owned operation since 1939, EFG Orchids specializes in custom floral arrangements and orchids, offering a 17,000-square-foot retail greenhouse.
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Double W Ranch (3252 Spring Garden Ave., DeLand): . The Double W Ranch was founded in 1959 as a citrus operation. It grew all types of citrus fruit for several decades and contracted with the Minute Maid Corp. for harvesting. The three killing freezes in the 1980s combined with hurricanes, drought, and diseases destroyed the citrus trees. Double W Ranch is evolving into a farm-to-table operation, offering hay, cattle, and other agricultural products.
East Volusia
- 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. – Edgar’s Farm – Easterseals (3804 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach): This farm was named in honor of Edgar Allen, a visionary Rotarian from 1920 Ohio, whose tragic personal story led to the founding of the National Crippled Children’s Society, later evolving into Easterseals. A unique farm where education, compassion, and agriculture intersect, Edgar’s Farm serves as a learning space for children and young adults, with a focus on equine therapy, gardening, and micro-business development.
- 10 to 11 a.m. – Benedict Farm (3605 Darby Road, New Smyrna Beach): This farm is located in Samsula, established circa 1934, and built on the family tradition. After many years of producing hay for their cattle, the farm is expanding by growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community.
- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Derbyshire Place (962 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach): Located in a USDA-designated food desert, Derbyshire Place is transforming the community with a new garden where local residents can grow their own fresh produce.
The tour is self-driven tour allowing participants to visit as many sites as they wish throughout the day, but the farmers will provide an overview of their operations and answer questions from participants at the time indicated on the agenda. For more information, contact Ashley Stonecipher at ams2904@ufl.edu or call 386-822-5778.
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension partners with the County of Volusia to provide quality, relevant education and research-based expertise to foster healthy people, a healthy environment, and a healthy economy.