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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson is inviting the state’s high school students to participate in the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) Florida Farm to School Essay Contest, open now through Nov. 17.
After drawing hundreds of submissions in its inaugural year, the contest returns and offers students an opportunity to reflect on the vital role local farmers and producers play in feeding Florida’s communities – and to compete for scholarships of up to $3,000.
“Last year’s overwhelming response showed us how eager Florida’s students are to engage with agriculture in meaningful ways,” Commissioner Simpson said. “This contest challenges them to think critically about the importance of Florida-grown foods and explore how hardworking farmers and producers are shaping the future of our state. These students’ voices will help shape the food systems and communities of tomorrow.”
The contest’s top three finishers will each receive a Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan scholarship from FDACS and a matching award from contest partner, and 2025 Growing the Future Award recipient, R.C. Hatton Farms. In total, the first-place finisher will receive $3,000, the second-place finisher will receive $2,000, and the third-place finisher will receive $1,000.
Additionally, all top finishers will be recognized in person at FDACS’ annual Florida Farm to School Conference hosted in Tampa in April 2026, and the winner will have his/her essay published.
The contest is open to students in grades 9-12 enrolled in public, private, and charter schools, and those in virtual and home-school programs. To be considered, students must submit one essay between 500 and 800 words, responding to one of three prompts:
Letter to a Farmer: Write a letter thanking a local farmer – real or fictional – for the contributions to your school, community and/or overall health.
Nourish Your Future: Write a persuasive letter to convince your peers to eat more locally grown foods, emphasizing the connection between Florida agriculture and nutrition.
If I Were a Farmer: Imagine you were a farmer in your community. Write about what you would grow and why, and how your farm would contribute to your school and community.
The contest is an extension of Florida’s Farm to School initiative, which aims to increase Florida commodities served in schools, offer more nutritious meal options for Florida’s children, and enrich students’ agriculture and nutrition education through school garden activities.
Visit FarmToSchoolFL.com/Essay to learn more about the Florida Farm to School Essay Contest, including official rules and how to enter.
For more information about the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
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