Agricultural Community Engagement
Overview
The Agricultural Policy, Relations and Outreach Program is designed to serve as the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs liaison to local farmers and agricultural communities. The liaison assists St. Johns County in cultivating partnership opportunities to preserve generational farms and secure funding to promote agricultural innovation and production.
Cultivating Agricultural Partnerships
Program and News
August 24 – Agricultural Land Conservation Easements Workshop
Learn how Florida’s Rural and Family Lands Protection Program helps agricultural landowners protect working lands through conservation easements while continuing farming operations.
When: Monday, August 24, 2026 – 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Where: The Venue, 301 N. Main St., Hastings, FL 32145
Free admission. RSVP requested.
Program Details
- Serve as the county representative for the Agricultural Advisory Committee under County Ordinance 2025-42 and relay the needs of the agricultural community to SJC Administration and BOCC.
- Assess the needs of residents and farms within rural areas of St. Johns County and identify funding sources that align with the objectives derived from public input.
- Serve as the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs liaison for assigned grants to local, state, and federal agencies that support sustainable crop production or regulate agricultural practices, including USDA, FDACS, SJRWMD, FDEP and many more.
- Assist the County in identifying opportunities to improve the resiliency of infrastructure critical to agriculture production.
- Develops and prepares grant applications for projects that protect, enhance and bring awareness to the agricultural community and conservation of rural lands.
- Manages and audits all grants and contracts financially supported by St. Johns County that pertain to agricultural education, research, etc.
- Assist St. Johns County famers with cost-share and grant applications for their individual or regional projects and practices or provide connections with appropriate specialists.
- Conducts presentations, public meetings, and workshops regarding grant-funded projects, to promote agricultural awareness and share the results of our efforts.
In the News
- Commissioner Taylor visits the Wilson Family Farm
- Once Upon a Spud: Parker Produce Puts Elkton on the Map One Potato at a Time
- Preserving Agricultural Neighborhoods
- St. Johns County seeks input from agriculture leaders
- Taters No More! This Florida Farm is Now Growing Sweet on Citrus
- National Farmer’s Day – Instagram reel
Agriculture Advisory Committee (ACC)
Committee Members
- Jackee Dobish
- Bill Hamilton
- Bryan Jones
- Carleton Johns
- Chuck Owen
- Scott Parker
- Christine Wilson
Meeting Schedule
Meetings
Past
2026
6pm
Agriculture Advisory Committee
SJC Agricultural Center – Auditorium
Agriculture Advisory Committee
August 12 | 6pm
SJC Agricultural Center – Auditorium
3125 Agricultural Center Dr
St. Augustine, FL, 32092
Agenda
- Call to Order/ Roll Call
- Approval of May 2026 meeting minutes
- Reports
- County Commissioner, if present
- County Staff
- Agricultural Liaison
- IFAS-Ag Center, contract revisions
- IFAS-Demonstration Projects, contract reports
- Agricultural Land Easements Workshop, 8/24/26
- Growth Management
- Agricultural Enclaves
- Deep Creek
- Economic Development
- Young Professionals/Beginner Farmers
- Committee Member Reports
- Agricultural Liaison
- Public Comment (3 minutes per speaker)
Adjourn
6pm
Agriculture Advisory Committee
The Feed Mill
Agriculture Advisory Committee
May 27 | 6pm
The Feed Mill
6400 CR 214
St. Augustine, FL, 32092
Agenda
Call to Order at 6:00 P.M.
- Introduction – Advisory Board Members and County Staff
- Facilities: County Agricultural Center
- IFAS Contracts
- Public Comment
Adjourn
6pm
Agriculture Advisory Committee
St. Johns County Fairgrounds Old School House Building
Agriculture Advisory Committee
April 22 | 6pm
St. Johns County Fairgrounds Old School House Building
5840 State Road 207
Elkton, 32033
Agenda
- Introduction – Advisory Board Members and County Staff
- Election – Chair and Vice-Chair
- Training – Sunshine Law, Ethics, Public Records
- Discussion – Committee priorities
- Public Comment
Adjourn
Agricultural Partners
Education
Regulation, Compliance and Certifications
- FDACS Notice of Intent and Agricultural BMPs
- FDACS Consumptive Use Permit
- USDA Beginner’s Guide to Crop Insurance
- USDA Organic Certification Database
- Florida Pesticide Applicator Licensing
- Search for Licensed Pesticide Applicators
- Florida Statute 570.89 – Agritourism Signage Posting
- Produce Safety Alliance
- SJC Property Appraiser – Greenbelt Ag Exemption
- SJC Family Farm Lot Provision – Development Review Manual Section 34.0