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The Sweet Side of Agriculture: Cultivating Awareness from Farm to Community

Agricultural Economics & Community Development

Madelyn Greathouse
Bushnell

Abstract

Sumter County is experiencing rapid urban development, with residential communities expanding into historically agricultural lands. As populations grow, ensuring public awareness and support for local agriculture becomes increasingly vital. To address this need, stakeholders in Sumter County collaborate annually to host the Farm City Week Tour, an engaging educational event designed to connect non-agricultural residents with the farming operations around them.

This year’s tour featured a visit to a local stevia farm, where participants attended interactive presentations on stevia production and integrated pest management, Florida’s natural history, cattle production and ecosystem services, and the use of drones in agriculture. Each session, lasting 15–20 minutes, incorporated visual aids such as brochures, plant specimens, live demonstrations, and displays to enhance learning. Following the presentations, attendees toured the farm’s extraction facility and propagation nursery, gaining insight into breeding trials aimed at developing stevia varieties suited to Florida’s climate.

The event attracted 55 participants, with 42 completing post-event surveys. Results indicated that 100% of respondents gained a better understanding of Sumter County’s agriculture and natural resources, while 34% reported overall knowledge improvement. Of the 57% who were first-time attendees, 43% experienced a knowledge gain. Many participants expressed surprise at the diversity of local agriculture, with some longtime residents discovering new aspects of their community’s farming industry.

By fostering agricultural awareness through hands-on education, the Farm City Week Tour strengthens connections between urban and rural communities, promoting continued support for local agricultural operations. This model can be adapted to other regions seeking to enhance public understanding of agriculture’s role in their local economies and ecosystems.

Authors: Madelyn Greathouse, Laura Bennett, James E. Davis, Joanna Oswalt, Anna Jameson, Kristy Russell, Ed Blommel, Cindy Brown, Sylvia Willis, Lucas Renehan, Hal Teegarden
  1. Madelyn Greathouse Commercial Horticulture & Integrated Pest Management Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 33513
  2. Laura Bennett Livestock Extension Agent, University of Florida, Florida, 33525
  3. James E. Davis Natural Resources & Urban Pest Management Agent, County Extension Director, University of Florida, Florida, 33513
  4. Joanna Oswalt Sumter County Farm Bureau President , Sumter County Farm Bureau, Florida, 33513
  5. Anna Jameson Owner, Brite Leaf Citrus Nursery, Florida, 33538
  6. Kristy Russell Economic Development Director, Board of Sumter County Commissioners, Florida, 33513
  7. Ed Blommel Regional Director, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida, 33513
  8. Cindy Brown Community Relations Representative, US Congressman Daniel Webster, Florida, 32162
  9. Sylvia Willis Research & Development Scientist, Splenda Stevia Farms/Heartland FPG, Florida, 33538
  10. Lucas Renehan Agro Planning Manager, Splenda Stevia Farms/Heartland FPG, Florida, 33538
  11. Hal Teegarden Senior Director, Splenda Stevia Farms/Heartland FPG, Florida, 33538