VOLUSIA CO., Fla. — City slickers can see how the other side lives during the 36th annual Farm Tour, set for Friday, Nov. 17.
The self-guided tour has been an annual tradition since 1981. Drivers can follow a west side or east side tour, each of which includes five farms.
The Farm Tour is sponsored by the University of Florida/Volusia County Extension and the Volusia County Farm Bureau to showcase the county’s agricultural industry, which has a $781 million annual impact on Volusia County and represents 3 percent of the county’s economic activity. The county’s 1,114 farms cover 229,000 acres and produce the area’s fruits, vegetables, honey, cattle, sod, fish, timber and plants.
West Volusia tour
9 to 10 a.m.: Vo-LaSalle Farms, 601 Johnson Lake Road, DeLeon Springs. The Crump family will discuss the latest citrus varieties, hydroponic strawberries and cutting-edge irrigation techniques at this active citrus farm. Fresh-picked fruits and vegetables will be available for sale.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Evans Fish Farm, 1195 E. Washington Ave., Pierson. View one of the most progressive aquaculture farms in Florida, and see several species of sturgeon and other varieties of fish.
Noon to 1 p.m.: EFG Orchids, 4265 Marsh Road, DeLand. This fourth-generation nursery was established in Illinois in 1939 and moved to DeLand in 1999. Take advantage of this opportunity to buy orchids directly from the wholesaler.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Common Ground Farm, 1330 E. Taylor Road, DeLand. This vegetable farm combines traditional organic practices with the latest in farming approaches. The owners will explain how they grow their vegetables to be more nutritious and offer tips on choosing your food wisely and eating a healthier diet.
3 to 4 p.m.: DeLeon Forestry Station, 5458 N. U.S. Highway 17, DeLeon Springs. The Florida Forest Service manages state forests for multiple-use benefits including timber, wildlife and recreation. Foresters will demonstrate firefighting and tree planting equipment, discuss firewise landscaping, and show off their tree seedlings. Smokey Bear will be on hand.
East Volusia tour
9 to 10 a.m.: Harvest Fields Corn Maze & Hay Ride, 965 Tournament Drive, Daytona Beach. Enjoy the 2,000-acre farm, which includes a 12-acre corn maze. The farm manages land and timber and harvests sod, hay and saw palmetto berries. It’s available for educational field trips and group agri-tourism events.
10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Chantilly Ridge Alpacas, 1975 H.L. Ainsley Road, Port Orange. This 12-acre family owned farm breeds and raises alpacas, which are members of the camel family. The owners are committed to giving their animals the highest quality of personal care.
Noon to 1 p.m.: Green Flamingo Organics, 398 N. Putnam Grove Road, Oak Hill. This two-acre farm is dedicated to bringing organic, fresh and healthy vegetables, eggs and poultry to area residents.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Tomazin Family Farm, 191 S. Cucumber Lane, Samsula. This 40-acre family farm, started by Slovenian emigrants in 1915, is now run by Bill Tomazin, the “barefoot farmer,” with help from his son Paul. They farm year-round, growing 70 varieties of vegetables.
3 to 4 p.m.: S & S Apiaries, 630 Bottle Island Road, New Smyrna Beach. Jesse Azam will share information about raising honeybees, cloning queens, pollination, honey production, and the positive impact honeybees have on the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem. He will also demonstrate honey extraction and explain what is being done to preserve bees in the United States. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For more information, visit www.volusia.org/extension or call the extension office at 386-822-5778.
For a copy of the itinerary and directions, please click here.
–Volusia Co. Florida
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