The 42nd Annual Volusia County Farm Tour scheduled for November 17.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

City dwellers and farm enthusiasts alike are in for a unique opportunity to experience the rustic charm and rich agricultural heritage of Volusia County as the 42nd annual Farm Tour kicks off on Friday, November 17, 2023, organized by the UF/IFAS Extension and Volusia County Farm Bureau. This event promises to be a day of discovery, education, and fresh produce hunting as residents embark on a self-guided tour of six captivating farms, a brewery, and a nature preserve nestled in the heart of this thriving agricultural community.

Unbeknownst to many, the agricultural industry silently drives Volusia County's economy, generating employment opportunities, nourishing local families, and contributing an impressive $780 million annually to the region's economic well-being.

The UF/IFAS Extension and Volusia County Farm Bureau have teamed up with local farmers to offer visitors an inside look into the intricacies of farming, showcasing their techniques, products, and deep-rooted passion for agriculture through a diverse array of experiences, from vegetable cultivation to livestock rearing, making it a must-visit for all curious souls.

One of the main highlights of this year's Farm Tour is the flexibility it offers. Residents can explore as many sites as they desire during this self-guided tour, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience.

West Volusia

• Volusia County's western side Farm Tour commences at 8:30 a.m. at Evans Fish Farm, located at 1195 E. Washington Avenue in Pierson. This expansive 100-acre aquaculture facility is renowned for being home to the nation's first farm-raised sturgeon. Visitors can marvel at the farm's Anastasia Gold Caviar and get acquainted with various sturgeon species and other fish varieties.
• The next stop, from 10 to 11 a.m., takes visitors to H&H Greens, situated at 1990 Reynolds Road in DeLeon Springs. This family farm, run by Monaca and Tanner Campbell, specializes in fresh-cut Florida greens, which include leatherleaf fern, magnolia trees, and an array of seasonal varieties.
• From 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Farm Tour proceeds to Common Ground Farm at 1330 E. Taylor Road in DeLand. This farm began as a modest garden in 2008 and has blossomed into a sizable producer of organic vegetables and herbs, while owners John and Pat Joslin also provide classes ranging from canning to bread baking.
• Finally, from 1 to 2 p.m., visitors can quench their thirst for knowledge at Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co., located at 1635 Patterson Avenue in DeLand. Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk realized their dream in 2014 when they opened their first brewery and taproom in DeLand. Since then, they have expanded to four additional locations. Here, attendees can witness the beer-making process, including adding hops in stages to manipulate bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

East Volusia

• The journey on the eastern side of Volusia County kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with a visit to Yaupon Brothers American Tea at 504 Pullman Road in Edgewater. Founded by Byron and Kyle White in 2015, this organic operation now boasts 10,000 yaupon trees across four tea plantations. The brothers produce a variety of teas, all derived from the yaupon holly, the only naturally caffeinated plant in North America. Each leaf is meticulously hand-plucked, dried, fire-roasted, graded, and milled before being hand-packed in their Edgewater facility.
• From 10 to 11 a.m., the Farm Tour arrives at Benedict Farms at 705 Airport Road in New Smyrna Beach. Established in 1934, this farm proudly upholds a legacy of family tradition, as Bill and Sheryl Benedict, after years of producing hay for their cattle, have expanded the farm to include seasonal vegetable cultivation, echoing the practices of their grandparents.
• Next, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., visitors can explore Innovation Arabians at 2552 Tomoka Farms Road in Port Orange. This picturesque farm, designed in the 1980s as a training and breeding facility for Arabian and half-Arabian horses, now offers boarding for all breeds, riding lessons, a farm school, a community garden, poultry breeding and sales, and even a dairy operation with goats and cows.
• The final stop in eastern Volusia County, from 1 to 2 p.m., is the breathtaking Longleaf Pine Preserve at 3736 E. New York Avenue in DeLand. Visitors can embark on an eco-buggy tour of this 12,005-acre preserve, featuring mesic and wet flatwoods, cypress strands, cypress domes, scrub, and two marked trails catering to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

Interested parties can contact the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County at 386-822-5778 for more information.