Ag Awareness Initiative Sample Program: Polk County Agrifest

Ag Awareness Initiative Sample Program: Polk County Agrifest

-Why the program is important

Revised USDA dietary guidelines, and the Let’s Move initiative call attention to the need for increased consumption of fruits and vegetables among youth to curb rising rates of obesity and chronic diseases into adulthood. Other USDA initiatives, such as the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food program, focus on the need for increased awareness among consumers about where their food comes from and how it is produced. Polk County is fortunate to have abundant agriculture, yet many students, particularly those in urban areas, are unaware of the importance of agriculture to their daily lives. Educating today’s youth is imperative to future food security as these future adults will be faced with land use decisions that call upon their understanding of the value of agriculture to society. Though their food comes first from a farm, without opportunity to connect to farms, students are often ignorant of their reliance on agriculture for producing their food. The program outlined below offers an exciting opportunity to improve student awareness of the diversity of Florida’s agriculture and the relevance of agriculture to their daily lives.

-What was done to address the issue

Awareness of the importance of agriculture is increased among youth through Agrifest, a twenty-seven year old, two week annual program for fourth graders county-wide. The program consists of two rotations consisting of four stations each, providing instruction on various components of agriculture. The program represents a partnership between UF/IFAS Polk County Extension, Polk County Farm Bureau, Polk County School Board and multiple agricultural industry members. The program instructs 6,000 students each year. Stations included are as follows: citrus; livestock; horticulture; phosphate; forestry; aquaculture; and small farms. The program changes slightly each year and the following subject matters have also been included in recent years: blueberries; USDA careers; beekeeping; and water conservation.

-What was the impact of the program (i.e., “so what?” or “who cares?”)

-Report should include a brief description of the program, evaluation data, and/or impact numbers

2015 Agrifest: Farm to Fork Connection: 40 sessions, 2,967 student participants
The Agent co-designs and instructs the twenty minute small farms station highlighting the diversity of Florida farms. A gameshow approach was taken this year and segments featuring farmers markets, hydroponics, beekeeping, chickens, and nutrition were created. Locally produced crops, opportunity to visit Polk County farms, the importance of eating fruit and vegetables, and the connection between food and agriculture were emphasized. The Agent created several new displays and incorporated farmers and industry representatives as guest speakers to put a face on small farm agriculture. The Ridge Beekeepers Association provided a teaching hive and speakers. Crops from the small farms demonstration garden were used and the FCS Agent cooperated in scripting and presenting the nutrition segment of the program. Blueberry samples were donated by a local citrus and blueberry packinghouse. A new donor for display vegetables was secured and students were offered colorful heirloom grape tomatoes to sample. Students brave enough to sample were given “I tried it!” stickers. Approximately six bushels of display fruits and vegetables and two flats of excess sample fruits were donated to Leland Family Ministries, a Bartow food bank. A peer reviewed journal article was published this year based on work presented in 2013.

2015 Agrifest: Farm to Fork Connection: 40 sessions, 2,967 student participants
A post program survey of teachers found:

• 97% indicated the station improved student awareness of the diversity of Florida grown agricultural products (63% (20/32) significantly; 34% somewhat increased).
• 96% (26/27) reported an increase in student knowledge about agriculture based on pre and posttest comparisons. (44% (12/27) reported a significant increase; 52% reported some increase).
• 84% were very satisfied with the station, the highest rating earned among the stations.

2012-2015 Agrifest, Small Farms Station: 187 sessions, 10,460 student participants
Thousands of students, many of whom have little exposure to fresh fruits and vegetables, touched, smelled and tasted new fruits and vegetables and learned where they are grown and its significance to Florida history. Of the 169 teachers that responded to a survey following the program: 77% (130/169) indicated the station improved their students’ awareness of the diversity of Florida grown agricultural products; 71% (49/69) felt the station was exciting and educationally relevant. Overall comments reflect a very positive experience.

Youth participating in activities offered through the programs gained agricultural awareness, affecting their perception and encouraging action as a result. Students excited by the sight and smell of fresh fruits and vegetables are encouraged to try new foods and increase their intake of fruits and vegetables which has the potential to affect their long term diet and health. Improved agricultural awareness can better inform students as adults when considering decisions such as those pertaining to land use and allocation of resources.

Peer Reviewed Journal Article:

Henry, M.E., and Squitieri, A. 2015. Youth Awareness and Nutrition: Real Fruits and Vegetables = Real Results. Proceedings of the 30th West Indies Agricultural Economics Conference. 78–82. 2013.

National Awards:

The horticulture station was the winner of the 2011 International Master Gardener Search for Excellence Award.