Many of the traditional markets for the distribution of goods to consumers have been disrupted during the COVID-19 outbreak. It would be ideal to have a way to connect the consumers and the producers so we can all help each other during this crisis. One way to facilitate this interaction can be through a directory of sellers who are moving Florida-grown foods to consumers.
But first, the directory needs to be created. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), are leading this effort and need your assistance with creating a list of farms, distributors, and online markets selling Florida-grown food directly to final consumers.
Audience
The list may include farms selling directly to consumers, online farmers markets, community food hubs, or food distributors who now are selling directly to households.
How do I participate?
To add your information to this directory complete this online FORM. The information submitted through this form will be made public to help consumers find local and online options for purchasing Florida-grown food. It may also help farms identify additional market outlets.
How else can I help?
Help us distribute this announcement to appropriate audiences. You can share the direct link to the form: https://forms.gle/s6Hwfy8miH7VfN3G7
Support a farm near you. Consult any of the available sources at Summary for consumers section.
Other efforts to connect buyers and sellers
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
A separate effort by FDACS is the Florida Farm to You website. Producers can submit individual commodities they have available, and FDACS will post the information on their website for consumers to see.
Avoid confusion! The two efforts mentioned in this blog belong to separate initiatives by FDACS. The Florida Farm to You form is focused on individual commodity availability, mainly larger farms with one or a few commodities primarily suited for wholesale. The directory form is focused on direct-to-consumer and online sellers of multiple products, mainly smaller diversified farms.
Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association
The Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association is also posting producer’s information online and through social media channels. If you are interested in selling your product to the public, send the information requested below to information@ffva.com:
Company name:
Address of sales location:
Phone number:
Facebook page:
Twitter:
Produce available for sale:
Sales hours:
Summary for consumers
Find and support a farm near you by visiting any of the websites below:
Other blogs on this topic: Helping Buyers and Sellers Connect During COVID-19 Disruptions to Florida Food Markets
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