Community Services is another example of the family spirit within the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.

Supporting higher education

Since our inception in 1982, over $520,000 in scholarships have been awarded by the Association. Although each year varies depending on the number of applicants, FSGA awards various scholarships as well as three special $1,000.00 scholarships including the Brenda St. Martin Scholarship, the Marvin Brown Scholarship, and the O.M. Griffin Memorial Scholarship. FSGA also helps to fund a program with the University of South Florida’s Department of Education to provide scholarships to deserving children of migrant workers. FSGA also sponsors special awards during the State of Florida FFA Convention.

Ag-Venture Participation

Ag-Venture is a “hands-on” learning experience designed to teach 3rd graders in Florida about the importance of agriculture and to help them develop an understanding and appreciation of how their food is produced. As the students arrive at the field trip, they are divided into groups and given a bright colored “cowboy” hat or bandana. The hats and bandanas not only keep track of the different groups (each group has a different color hat), but the youngsters love them, and they set the stage for an “AG” day! At the FSGA station we show our Jammer video to approximately 3,000 students each year, and afterwards they make their own peanut butter and strawberry jam sandwich. Both are a great hit with the kids.

Florida Strawberry Festival Display

Come see our 10,000 square foot display at the Florida Strawberry Festival every Spring in Plant City, The “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World”. Learn how strawberries are produced and the equipment used. Have a question about growing Florida strawberries? We have grower volunteers at our “Ask the Farmer” section of our display.