Florida Agriculture Celebrates 500 Years

“Florida Agriculture: Then and Now,” the traveling exhibit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), recently made its debut at the Florida State Fair. It will make its way through the state and beyond for the remainder of the year as part of “Viva Florida 500,” a statewide celebration commemorating the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de Leon’s discovery of Florida.
“The ‘Florida Agriculture: Then and Now’ exhibit honors the growth, expansion and diversification of Florida agriculture over the last 500 years,” said Commissioner Adam H. Putnam. “The exhibit provides a unique and fun opportunity to educate residents and visitors about Florida’s vibrant agricultural heritage.”

The exhibit will be on display through February 18 at the Ag Hall of Fame at the Florida State Fair in Tampa. After that, it will travel to museums, universities, fairs and community events, where it will be on display for anniversary celebrations. Scheduled appearances include:

• Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair: Ft. Myers, February 21-March 3, 2013
• Polk County Agrifest: Bartow, March 8-22, 2013
• Clay County Fair: Green Cove Springs, April 4-9, 2013
• Florida Southern College: Lakeland, April 10-30, 2013
• Sunbelt Ag Expo: Moultrie, GA, Oct. 14-17, 2013
• South Florida Fair: West Palm Beach, Jan. 17-Feb. 2, 2014

Click here to learn more about the “Florida Agriculture: Then and Now” traveling exhibit.