Experience the sights, sounds, tastes, and stories of farm life through guided tours from our knowledgeable local experts. The 2023 Agricultural Tour will showcase Collier County’s agricultural operations and kick-off the regional branding campaign SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh (www.swflfresh.com)
Southwest Florida is home to hundreds of agricultural commodities leading with fresh vegetables, but includes citrus, cattle, tropical fruits, poultry and eggs, seafood, honey, mushrooms and so much more! We’re also home to new and innovative food businesses, chefs and entrepreneurs looking to meet and expand the palate of southwest Floridians. With an array of options, it’s no surprise that consumers and visitors in SWFL are eager to find and purchase locally grown food.
The 2023 Collier County Annual Farm Tour & SWFL Fresh Kick-Off Event will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 and it’s a great way to learn about our local agricultural operations and learn more about the SWFL Fresh brand.
The tour includes transportation aboard an air-conditioned bus to various farms in the county and a lunch of local fare will be served. Farm locations include vegetable, fruit and cattle operations throughout the county. Two departure times are available: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Buses will leave from the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County Office – 14700 Immokalee Road, Naples, FL 34120. Tickets are $85 and include transportation, farm to table lunch, snacks and promotional bag featuring local products. Event registration: www.2023CollierCountyAgTour.eventbrite.com
The SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh campaign was developed through direction and input from regional agricultural producers, allied industry members and consumers. It is a partnership with the SWFL Regional Planning Council, Blue Zones Project Southwest Florida and UF/IFAS Extension. The SWFL Fresh brand has partnered with many in the community along the way such as EatLocalLee and FGCU Center for Agribusiness.
The brand was developed to encourage Southwest Florida residents and visitors to choose food and beverages sourced from Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties.
SWFL Fresh serves as a resource guide to locate nearby farms and farmers markets and highlights the products available. Local growers can utilize the platform to reach a wider audience, further expand their market abilities and provide customers with the products they want.
It’s important for consumers to know that when they are purchasing directly from producers or buying with the SWFL Fresh or Fresh From Florida label, they are helping to support agricultural production in the area and state for future generations.
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