It was Halloween, and Eva and Chris Worden of Worden Farm, Punta Gorda, Florida, played host to Florida Certified Organic Growers and Consumers Inc. (FOG) workshops.
It was wet and gloomy, downright spooky for 40 or so Florida organic farm enthusiasts that came for lunch and seminars. Fortunately, the topic and the enthusiasm of the audience sparked a delightful day of education and marketing advice that lifted the "FOG" and delivered much more "treat" than trick.
Speakers from the University of Florida, and Area Extension offices, spoke on subjects like composting, sustainable pest control, organic fertility methods, and what it takes to become a certified organic farm.
There was a weed identification session, where I struggled to tell the difference between the different types of Nut Sedge leaves, being passed around the room, even after the instructor pointed them out.
Eva and Chris Worden, also spoke at the marketing workshop on the ways they promote their farm to the general public. There were even a few farm-to-school conversations and ways farmers could approach the school districts.
After almost six hours of seminars, attendees received a treat. Chris Worden invited the audience to take a walking tour of his farm. Despite mud puddles and rain drops, a stroll through a certified organic farm was just what the crowd needed.
If you're interested in organic farming, take a look at the FOG website http://foginfo.org/overview.php Established in 1987, this not-for-profit corporation promotes and supports organic and sustainable farmers through educational and advocacy efforts with policy makers, businesses, and the general public.
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| Worden Farm, site of FOG workshops on wet Halloween, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
It was wet and gloomy, downright spooky for 40 or so Florida organic farm enthusiasts that came for lunch and seminars. Fortunately, the topic and the enthusiasm of the audience sparked a delightful day of education and marketing advice that lifted the "FOG" and delivered much more "treat" than trick.
 |
| Seating overflows at Worden Farm day of organic farming workshops, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
Speakers from the University of Florida, and Area Extension offices, spoke on subjects like composting, sustainable pest control, organic fertility methods, and what it takes to become a certified organic farm.
 |
| Weed identification workshop, Worden Farm Day of FOG workshops, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
There was a weed identification session, where I struggled to tell the difference between the different types of Nut Sedge leaves, being passed around the room, even after the instructor pointed them out.
 |
| Mitch Blumenthal, owner of Global Organic Specialty Source Inc, at Worden Farm FOG marketing workshop, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
In the marketing workshop, Mitch Blumenthal, owner of Global Organic Specialty Source Inc. (organic produce supplier), said, "Now it's all about local and it's all about regional. We support the small farmer."
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| Eva Worden, Marty Mesh, and Chris Worden talking to audience at FOG day of workshops, Worden Farm, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
Eva and Chris Worden, also spoke at the marketing workshop on the ways they promote their farm to the general public. There were even a few farm-to-school conversations and ways farmers could approach the school districts.
Then, Marty Mesh, Executive Director of FOG, got up and spoke about his continued challenges and successes advocating for the rights of sustainable and organic farmers.
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| Chris Worden, giving tour of his farm during FOG event, Punta Gorda, Fla. |
After almost six hours of seminars, attendees received a treat. Chris Worden invited the audience to take a walking tour of his farm. Despite mud puddles and rain drops, a stroll through a certified organic farm was just what the crowd needed.
If you're interested in organic farming, take a look at the FOG website http://foginfo.org/overview.php Established in 1987, this not-for-profit corporation promotes and supports organic and sustainable farmers through educational and advocacy efforts with policy makers, businesses, and the general public.
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