Agriscience Education Leadership Program Offers Florida Educators Hands-On Experience
In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida educators have a unique opportunity allowing them to journey beyond the classroom walls on an agricultural tour of Florida.
The Agriscience Education Leadership Program, sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, invites select middle and high school educators to grow their industry knowledge. The participants engage in a series of hands-on tours statewide, allowing them to experience a mix of agricultural production.
“Many participants are very knowledgeable about specific agricultural topics or what’s done in their region, but this Program exposes them to the state’s wide array of offerings,” says Gabi Ius, FDACS Program Coordinator. “The tour group has insightful conversations with experts and learns about everything from business to technical aspects of production.”
See more: Barn Owl Research Program Nesting Boxes Help Florida Farmers With Pest Control
Hands-On Learning
The tours are 3-4 days and take place throughout the year in different regions.
“We love for our groups to experience agriculture by consuming it,” she says. “When groups visit farms with an agritourism aspect, they are able to watch production and then try the product if applicable.”
While getting a taste of farm life, the tour group experiences crop production, livestock care, business management and another agricultural-support tool: the legislative process in Tallahassee.
“Participants also get a behind-the-scenes look at the many functions of FDACS,” Ius says. “Many are surprised by the scope of the department’s work.”
After collecting numerous insights, experience, leadership development and continuing education hours from the Program, participants graduate empowered to advance the next generation’s agricultural stewardship.
“I’ve learned that there are not many opportunities like this one,” Ius says. “At the end of the tours, the participants leave with a better understanding of the skills, knowledge and grit it takes to be a Florida farmer.”
See more: Florida FFA Helps Prepare Students for Bright Futures
Application Process
- District superintendents nominate candidates.
- Nominees submit an application.
- Applications are reviewed by selection committee.
- The participant class is announced.
Find More Online
To learn more about the Agriscience Education Leadership Program and its criteria, visit FDACS.gov/education/agriscience-education-leadership-program.
See more: 4Roots Café and Food Heroes Exhibit at Orlando Science Center Connect Visitors to Farmers