November 22, 2024 from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM

The Volusia County Farm Tour has been a popular fall tradition since 1981. The agricultural industry is the silent engine of the Volusia County economy where local farmers create jobs, feed families and pump more than $780 million into the local economy. The University of Florida/IFAS Extension office and the Volusia County Farm Bureau have partnered with six local producers to highlight their farming techniques, their products, and their passion for agriculture. Everything from growing vegetables to raising livestock will be highlighted at this year’s event and we hope you enjoy learning about Volusia County agriculture.

We are excited to announce this year’s tour stops. We will have three stops on the West side of the county, and we will have three stops on the East side of the county. Participation is free and participants can go to which locations they choose at the designated time slots. This allows the farmer/family to have one hour to showcase what they are producing. Some of the stops may have the opportunity to purchase their products.

2024 Farm Tour Stops

Tour A (West)                                                                                         Tour B (East)
♦ Spring Garden Ranch 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM                                      ♦ Edgar Farms- Easterseals 8:30 AM – 9:30 A
900 Spring Garden Ranch Rd, DeLeon Springs                                  3804 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach
♦ EFG Orchids 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM                                                  ♦ Benedict 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
4265 March Rd, DeLand                                                                           705 Airport Road, New Smyrna Beach
♦ Double W Ranch 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM                                            ♦ Derbyshire Place 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
3252 N Spring Garden Ave, DeLand                                                      962 Derbyshire Rd, Daytona Beach

1. Spring Garden Ranch: Established in 1949 as a cattle and dairy farm. Today it is North America’s largest standardbred training facility. This beautiful ranch is set on 148 acres of land and holds annual qualifying races before the harness racing season begins. Other amenities include, tack rooms, offices, an RV park, and a recreation center, which overlooks the track.
2. E.F.G Orchids: Family owned and operated since 1939, recently celebrated its 80th year in business. A 17,000 square foot retail greenhouse, nursery and garden center. They specialize in custom arrangements, plant supplies, orchids and more. In 2017, they implemented modern point of sale systems, redesigned different areas of the greenhouse to create a more retail-friendly atmosphere, and have become very efficient in the propagation of many different varieties of indoor house plants.
3. Double W Ranch: The Double W Ranch was founded in 1959 as a citrus operation. They grew all types of citrus fruit for several decades and contracted with the Minute Maid Corporation for harvesting. The 3 killing freezes in the 1980’s combined with hurricanes, drought and diseases destroyed the citrus trees. Their land evolved to become a hay and cattle pasture operation for several decades and today is again evolving into a different style of cattle ranching. They are now transitioning with a new partner to become a farm to table style ranch offering a fresh local product directly to the customer.
4. Edgars Farm-Easterseals: 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. With pride, they introduce Edgar’s Farm, a space where history, compassion, and dreams intersect. Our vision for Edgar’s Farm is ambitious—a K-12 private school, known as the Empowerment Academy. The existing pasture and fields will provide a place for children and young adults to learn the art of agriculture, growing vegetables, flowers and fruits. And not to forget the trusted equine therapy program with nine horses and a donkey ready to continue the transformative journey. Animals are the heart of the farm and stand as an integral part of Edgar’s Farm.
5. Benedict Farms: Located in Samsula, established circa 1934, is built on family tradition. After many years of producing hay for their cattle, the farm has expanded by growing delicious seasonal vegetables to be enjoyed by their local community. They are rapidly growing to offer their community traditionally raised and grown just like grandma and grandpa did it.
6. Derbyshire Place: Growing food in the desert may seem like an impossible challenge, but a community in Daytona Beach is determined to make it a reality. Leaders at Derbyshire Place are creating a new community garden aimed at enhancing nutrition for local families. Designated a USDA food desert since 2010, the Derbyshire area faces significant food accessibility issues. The community garden will empower residents to grow their own fresh produce. The produce harvested from this community garden is also donated to local food banks and homeless shelters. During peak season, you can often find students selling surplus vegetables on Saturday mornings right at the garden.

For more information about each of our farms representing Farm Tour 2024, contact the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County at 386-822-5778.

0