Growing Stronger Together: Community, Markets, and Innovation for Farmers

Growers, educators, and agricultural professionals, join Florida Organic Growers for Growing Stronger Together: Cultivating Community, Markets, and Innovation for Organic Farmers!

Location: The Jessie (Jessie Ball duPont Center), 40 E Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Time: 9am - 4pm

Bring your business cards, your questions, and your goals for growing your farm business for a day of learning, networking, and market opportunities! This full-day conference (lunch provided!) is designed to help farmers strengthen their operations, discover new market opportunities, and learn from agricultural experts and successful producers.

Participants will gain insights on:

• Organic and conservation farming practices

• Produce safety requirements

• Integrated pest management strategies

• Farm marketing and branding

• Sustainable food systems

• Expanding into new and profitable markets

Featured speakers include Dr. Joe Walsh (Hillsborough Soil & Water Conservation District), Billy Mitchell (University of Florida), Phil Kraus (Advancing Eco Agriculture), Dr. Franklin Quarcoo (Tuskegee University), Jillian Curtin (Florida Farm Finder), and Tim Armstrong (Eat Your Yard Jax).

A special highlight of the event is the Buyer Panel, where attendees can hear directly from market buyers, chefs, and food business leaders about:

• What products are currently in demand

• Purchasing expectations and requirements

• How to establish successful buyer relationships

• Practical strategies for getting products into new markets

Panelists include Michael Leach (Bee Friends Farm), Chloe Kuhn (Riverside Arts Market), Chef Sam Burgess (Pineappetit), and Bill Davenport (Anchored Market Ventures).

Come ready to learn, share ideas, make connections, and discover new opportunities to strengthen your farm and your future.

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

*This event will feature a buyer panel and networking mixer in the afternoon! Please let us know during registration if you are attending so we can plan accordingly.

*An agenda is posted below!

We encourage attendees to take advantage of these unique opportunities to connect directly with buyers, industry professionals, and fellow growers, ask questions, share experiences, and build valuable relationships.

Spaces are limited. Registration is free.

We’ve reserved a block of discounted hotel rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Jacksonville. Rooms include one king or two queen beds, a mini‑fridge, microwave, and coffee service. The $125 per‑night rate includes free parking and free breakfast. The discounted rate is available from August 18 through August 21, 2026, if you’d like to enjoy a little extra time in Jacksonville. Hotel Rooms –

We've got your parking covered! Please park in The Yates Garage (200 E. Adams St.) and keep your parking ticket handy. Bring it to the check-in desk, and we'll provide validation.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected].

By attending, you consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded. Media may be used for promotional purposes. Notify staff to opt out, though incidental inclusion in crowd shots may still occur. Thank you for your understanding!

Please note: Firearms are not permitted at this location.

This event is supported by the USDA Transition to Organic Partnership Program (TOPP), administered by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP).