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Sarasota County Green Map
| Community Assets and Agriculture |
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Community Agriculture
Local food that is grown very near to where it is consumed
travel fewer “food miles” that decrease freshness and increase
ecological impacts associated with shipping long distances.
Organic food is grown without pesticides, genetic modification
or synthetic fertilizers and has no chemicals or waxes added
after harvesting. The Community Agriculture data set has
information on farmers’ markets, community gardens and other
sources of local and organic food.
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Farmers/Local Market
At farmers' markets, groups of farmers sell their products once
or twice a week at a designated public place like a park or
parking lot. Shopping at a farmers' market is a great way to
meet local farmers and purchase fresh, flavorful produce. Some
markets may also sell flowers, plants, craft items, handmade
soaps, baked goods and other products.
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Organic/Local Food
In addition to farmers’ markets, local and organic produce can
also be found at farm stands or acquired through produce co-op
or delivery services. Farm stands allow farmers to sell their
produce directly to consumers. Co-op and delivery services
provide members with a regular supply of fresh, organic, local
or specialty produce for a fee.
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Community Gardens
Community Gardens provide a place for individuals to raise
vegetables, fruits and herbs, even if there is not enough space
or soil nearby your home. Gardeners can improve their families’
health and nutrition while reducing food costs. Community
gardens also benefit the neighborhoods where they are located by
utilizing open space and promoting a sense of community pride.
For a nominal fee, gardeners
receive a garden plot, basic gardening tools, soil
testing, compost and water. Sarasota County’s
Extension Services office offers monthly gardening
classes, along with educational materials and
information on growing, harvesting and storing
garden produce.
If you are interested in a
community garden in your neighborhood, or would like
a plot in an existing community garden, contact
Patricia Porchey at 941-861-9801 or Bob Mertens at
941-861-9805 or visit the
Extension Service Community
Garden Web.
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Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship
Teams
Sarasota County’s Neighborhood Environmental Stewardship Team
(NEST) program invites you to explore ways you can make your
neighborhood a better place for people, wildlife and our water
resources. NESTs are voluntary associations of people –
neighbors, civic groups, student organizations and others – who
want to better understand and improve environmental conditions
in their watershed. Sarasota County can help you create your own
NEST, or you can join one that already exists, based on your
ideas and interest.
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