Title : Improving food system awareness with agritourism: The Tour de Farm in Duval County, Florida
Abstract:
Agritourism strengthens community connections to local food systems by increasing awareness of where and how food is produced. In Duval County, Florida, the Tour de Farm exemplifies how farm tours can effectively promote agricultural literacy and appreciation among urban and suburban residents. Organized collaboratively by Slow Food First Coast and UF/IFAS Extension Duval County, the program promotes the appreciation of Northeast Florida’s agriculture. Through guided farm tours, on-site markets, and interactive experiences, participants engage directly with farmers to learn about sustainable practices, local food production, and the environmental and economic value of supporting local agriculture. Over the years, Tour de Farm has successfully adapted to many challenges, including logistics, volunteer management, the global pandemic, and local ordinances. Despite these obstacles, the Tour de Farm remains one of the region’s most impactful agritourism events and protects agriculture by raising awareness. Between 2023 and 2025, approximately 300 participants attended three Tour de Farm events featuring 25 farms and 5 local restaurants that source ingredients from nearby producers. Surveys revealed that participants improved awareness of their local food system with 96% of respondents reported discovering new local farms, with 44% having been unaware of any of the featured operations prior to the tour. Furthermore, 100% of respondents indicated a heightened appreciation for the importance of agriculture in the region, and 93% reported an increased understanding of how and where their local food is produced. These outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of agritourism as an educational vehicle for enhancing food system awareness. By connecting residents directly to farmers, the Tour de Farm contributes to a more resilient and community engaged local food system in Duval County and the surrounding region.
