From Our Executive Director

Dear Agritourism Operators:

Fall is finally in the air and it's time to highlight activities at your farm! We know many of you are planning events for the Fall and we would like to hear more about them! Please send details to us at visitfloridafarms@gmail.com or add them to the Association's website and Facebook page. We want to help you spread the word and bring more visitors to your operation.

Ben Parks

Legislative Update

We would like to thank Senator Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland) for stepping up once again to sponsor the agritourism legislation (SB 304) that almost passed last year. As you recall, the bill died in the last days of session because the House of Representatives went home early. Representative Neil Combee (R-Auburndale) re-filed the agritourism bill in the House, HB 59. The legislation would prohibit local governments from enforcing local ordinances, regulations, rules, or policies that prohibit, restrict, regulate, or otherwise limit agritourism activities on land classified as agricultural land. This legislation is very important to current and future operators whose activities may be threatened by local ordinances.

We will continue working on your behalf to advocate for agritourism legislation during the interim committee meetings and when the regular session begins on January 12, 2016.

Please call us with any questions and we thank you for your continued support.

Membership News

Don't forget to pay your membership dues! Your association continues to work hard on your behalf to bring changes to Florida law that will benefit agritourism operators and your paid membership helps ensure our continued success. Most of you should have received a notice asking you to renew your membership for the 2015-16 year. If you are a non-paying member or interested in supporting our association, please consider joining at the General Membership level. Thank you in advance for your support.

We invite you to go to our website to keep your public profile updated. Please visit the operator's side of our website (www.visitfloridafarms.com) where you will find a button that says "Member Login". From there you may login or set up a password using your email address. If this is your first time logging in, just put in your email address and hit the "forgot password" button and we will send a password to you.

We encourage you to add your company logos, photos and operation information so that visitors can find you easily. Please feel free to email us if you have any questions.

Member Spotlight

Fox Squirrel Corn Maze

Photo credit: Janet Futch

2015 marks the 4th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze. The Futch Family has been working hard to outdo themselves by providing premier agricultural becoming one of Central Florida's best autumn attractions. There are approximately 1.5 miles of paths cut through five acres of corn stalks intended to challenge all who enter.

Visiting the ranch offers a unique experience and escape from the everyday humdrum. There's something for everyone, from a tractor pulled hayride, a pumpkin patch, games, arts and crafts, and great food; to just relaxing while listening to the sounds of good 'ole country music. Don't forget to visit Squirrely's General store where you can find homemade goods, antiques and other unique gift items. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is home to one of the top 5 pumpkin patch's named in the Tampa Bay area, making it the perfect backdrop for those priceless photo-opportunities.

We are located at 3002 Charlie Taylor Road, Plant City FL 33565 and are open Saturdays and Sundays from October 3rd through October 25th. Please visit www.FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com for additional information.

Congratulations to the Futch Family, this year's Farm Family of the Year and recipient of the 2015 Harvest Award! This prestigious award recognizes their accomplishments, achievements and commitment to the preservation of Hillsborough County's Agricultural Heritage.

Every few issues we will highlight one of our member farms activities in our "Member Spotlight" section of our E-Newsletter. Please feel free to send information to visitfloridafarms@gmail.com so that we may highlight you!