Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson encourages high school students across the state to participate in the Florida Farm to School Essay Contest for scholarships

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida high school students have an exciting opportunity to share their perspectives on local agriculture while competing for significant scholarships. Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson has officially announced the opening of the Florida Farm to School Essay Contest, organized by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). The contest, which drew hundreds of submissions in its inaugural year, is now open through November 17, 2025, and aims to encourage students to reflect on the vital role farmers and producers play in feeding communities across the state.

“Last year’s overwhelming response showed us how eager Florida’s students are to engage with agriculture in meaningful ways,” said Commissioner Simpson. “This contest challenges them to think critically about the importance of Florida-grown foods and explore how hardworking farmers and producers are shaping the future of our state. These students’ voices will help shape the food systems and communities of tomorrow.”

The essay contest offers students the chance to win Florida Prepaid 529 Savings Plan scholarships, with support from R.C. Hatton Farms, the 2025 Growing the Future Award recipient. The top three winners will receive combined awards totaling up to $3,000. Specifically, first place will earn $3,000, second place $2,000, and third place $1,000. Beyond the financial awards, winners will also gain recognition at the annual Florida Farm to School Conference in Tampa, Florida, in April 2026, where the first-place essay will be published.

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Eligible participants include students in grades 9-12 enrolled in public, private, and charter schools, as well as those in virtual and home-school programs. Submissions must be between 500 and 800 words and respond to one of three prompts:

1. Letter to a Farmer: Students write a letter thanking a local farmer — real or fictional — for their contributions to the school, community, or personal health.
2. Nourish Your Future: Participants craft a persuasive letter aimed at convincing peers to eat more locally grown foods, highlighting the connection between Florida agriculture and nutrition.
3. If I Were a Farmer: Students imagine themselves as farmers, describing what they would grow and how their farm would support their school and community.

The contest is part of Florida’s broader Farm to School initiative, which seeks to increase the use of Florida commodities in school meals, provide more nutritious options for students, and enrich education through programs such as school gardens. By linking students directly to the state’s agricultural landscape, the initiative encourages young people to understand where their food comes from while developing critical thinking and communication skills.

FDACS officials say the contest is not only a chance for students to win scholarships but also a way to amplify young voices in discussions about nutrition, agriculture, and community health. Past participants have expressed excitement at exploring how local farms affect the food they eat daily and the broader economic and environmental impact of agriculture in Florida.

The Florida Farm to School Essay Contest reflects a growing focus on food literacy in schools. By engaging students in thoughtful writing and reflection, the program encourages them to connect classroom learning with real-world issues. Topics such as sustainable farming, healthy eating habits, and community well-being are woven into the essay prompts, allowing students to explore personal and societal implications of agriculture.

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For students interested in entering, the official contest rules and submission guidelines are available online at FarmToSchoolFL.com/Essay. FDACS encourages early submissions and careful attention to the essay requirements to ensure entries meet eligibility criteria.

Commissioner Simpson emphasized the broader goal of the initiative, noting that students’ involvement can have a meaningful impact on how communities approach food and nutrition. “These essays are more than just a contest,” Simpson said. “They are a chance for students to reflect on how agriculture touches their lives and to share ideas that may influence the next generation of food systems in Florida.”

By combining education, community engagement, and tangible rewards, the Florida Farm to School Essay Contest offers students a unique platform to explore the importance of local agriculture, understand its role in nutrition, and express their creativity while competing for scholarships. With the deadline approaching on November 17, students across the state are encouraged to participate and contribute their voices to this growing conversation about Florida’s farmers, food systems, and the future of healthy communities.