The Backyard Market

06/03/2025

🌱 Big Boost for Specialty Crops! 🌽

The USDA is rolling out $72.9 million in grants to strengthen the competitiveness of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and more through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. From marketing to research, this funding supports local innovation across all U.S. states and territories.

🗓️ Apply by July 7, 2025
📍 Eligible: State & territorial ag departments

👉 https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp


U.S. Department of Agriculture

04/29/2025

📣URGENT Session for Farmers & Ranchers: Resources to Avoid Default and Foreclosure!📣

🗓 Tuesday, April 29th, 7:00 pm ET

We've learned that foreclosure notices are now going out to farmers who may be behind on Farm Service Agency direct loan payments. It is imperative that farmers
answer these notices. The purpose of this call is to prepare producers and the
Technical Assistance providers who serve them to respond promptly in an informed manner in order to save these farms.

*This session will be offered in English, with Spanish translation being provided.

Please join at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/30ZqL_ZTRNCQuSWBqty_-g #/registration

Rural Coalition National Organic Coalition - NOC

04/25/2025

✨Final Chance to Register!✨

Pick & Savor: Earth Day on the Farm
Date: April 26, 2025
Location: Tallahassee, FL

Join us at Orchard Pond Organics for a Food Celebration event with the Florida Local Food Project team! Spots are filling up fast, so register now and be part of the change!

Here's a look at our full schedule and event highlights in store for you!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate sustainable farming and local food systems. 🌱

Secure your spots at: https://bit.ly/3XTAL6q

04/24/2025

🌿 Join Us at Orchard Pond Farms! 🌿

We hope to see you at Orchard Pond Organics, a diverse, family-owned organic farm in the Red Hills Region of Tallahassee, Florida. 🌾 Good food and caring for the land are traditions passed down for generations, inspiring their dedication to producing the highest quality foods using sustainable practices.

**Event Details:**
📅 Saturday, April 26 · 9am - 1pm EDT
📍 Orchard Pond Organics, 400 Cedar Hill Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312

Celebrate sustainable farming and local food systems! Enjoy picking fresh produce, exploring homemade goods, guided farm tours, educational engagements, kids' activities, cooking demos, and delicious food from local vendors. 🍅🥕🍯

**Spots are filling up fast—secure your spot now!**

https://bit.ly/3XTAL6q

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to engage with your local food community! 🌻

04/22/2025

🌍 **Earth Day 2025: Partner with Purpose** 🌍

At Florida Organic Growers (FOG), we believe everyone deserves access to healthy food and a sustainable future. Today, on Earth Day, we celebrate our commitment to organic, regenerative, and sustainable agriculture.

FOG works tirelessly to combat food insecurity, promote healthier environments, and support local farmers and communities. However, many of these vital initiatives are at risk due to unexpected federal funding cuts. We need your help to keep these programs going strong. Your generous donation can transform lives and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

🤝 **Support Our Mission** 🤝

**Why Organic Agriculture Matters:**
- Soil Health: Organic farming practices improve soil structure and fertility, leading to healthier crops and ecosystems.
- Water Conservation: By reducing the need for synthetic chemicals, organic farming helps protect water sources from contamination and promotes efficient water use.
- Chemical-Free: Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring safer and healthier food options.
- Climate Friendly: Organic farming reduces greenhouse gas emissions and enhances carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Biodiversity: Organic farming supports diverse ecosystems, promoting wildlife and plant diversity.

Every contribution makes an impact. Become a FOG Supporter today and help us continue our work in supporting organic farmers, Florida farmers markets, and Florida food security.

https://bit.ly/3Ob5iHm

🌱 **Together, we can make a difference!** 🌱

03/04/2025

✨LAST CHANCE to book your hotel at the discounted rate for the Organic Food and Farming Summit!📣

Secure your reservation by THIS FRIDAY, March 7th. After that, rates will increase and rooms will be extremely hard to find due to the Florida Legislature annual session.

🎟**Single Day Tickets Now Available!**
- General Admission Tickets: $325
- Day 1 Farm Tour Day Ticket: $165
- Day 2 Educational Session Day Ticket: $185

Join us for inspiration, innovation, and connection at one of the most anticipated organic agriculture events of the year! Whether you're a farmer, food business owner, advocate, or just passionate about sustainability, this Summit is for you!💚💚💚

🌱On-Farm Experiences

- Guided tours of Ayavalla Land Company and Orchard Pond Organics

- Locally sourced lunch provided by Ayavalla Land Company

- Shuttle services for easy travel between farms

🤝Networking Reception & Tradeshow

- Mix and mingle with farmers, experts, and leaders in the organic farming community

🎤Summit Workshops & Tradeshow

- Expert-led workshops on sustainable agriculture practices

- Check out our amazing speaker lineup at: https://bit.ly/3QL9PS8

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, network, and grow in the world of organic farming. Register today and lock in your discounted hotel rate before it's too late!

REGISTER HERE: https://bit.ly/3VsfYpn

02/20/2025

🚨 Last Chance to Save! 🚨

Our BOGO HALF OFF sale for the Organic Food and Farming Summit ends this Sunday! Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to save big.

Order in pairs, bring a friend or loved one, and share your passion for organic, sustainable, and renewable agriculture. Act now to take advantage of this amazing deal and make unforgettable memories together.

Hurry, time is running out! ⏳

Secure your tickets at: https://bit.ly/3VsfYpn

02/19/2025

🚨 **Reminder! Our Organic Farming Webinar is Tomorrow!** 🚨
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about organic certification in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands! Join Florida Organic Growers, the University of Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance as experienced farmers share insights, challenges, and practical tips for transitioning to organic.

Register below👇

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Organic Farming and Certification Considerations for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Farmers. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

02/14/2025

🌿💕 Valentine’s Day BOGO 50% Off! 💕🌿

The Organic Food & Farming Summit is better with company—so bring a friend and save! For a limited time only, buy two tickets and get the second half off! 🌱

👩‍🌾 Double the learning. Double the impact. Half the price.
📅 April 8-9, 2025
📍Tallahassee, FL 32307

💚 Pair up for the Summit & save today! 👉 https://bit.ly/3VsfYpn

02/11/2025

💘 Find Your Perfect Local Food Match! 💘

This February, we’re playing cupid for Florida’s food scene! 🌱🍽️ Whether you’re a chef hunting for fresh local ingredients, a farmer looking to connect with buyers, or a food entrepreneur ready to collaborate, the Florida Local Food Project is here to help you find *the one*—for a deliciously sustainable partnership.

💡 Sign up, get matched, and share your story with us! Let’s celebrate the connections that make Florida’s food system thrive.

📲 **Register now & find your perfect match!**

https://bit.ly/43azTOj

Deadline to apply is February 28th!

02/04/2025

🌿 New Podcast Episode Alert! 🌿

Curious about how urban agriculture can connect mental health and community engagement? 🌱 Join us as Sheila Gutierrez from Vizcaya Museum and Gardens shares her inspiring journey and the unique role Vizcaya plays in fostering sustainable practices for a healthier community.

Discover the secrets behind the Vizcaya Village Farmers Market, the upcoming Dinner for Farmers event in collaboration with FOG's Florida Local Food Project, and much more!

🎧Listen now at: https://bit.ly/40HjuxK

02/03/2025