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Newsletter Color Sample
Newsletter Color Sample
Important Contact Information Major Events in Month 2010: Dates and times are subject to change Please check our website for latest information
The Offical Publication of the Dade County Farm Bureau
dade-agriculture.org
Fall | 2012
Frances, Russ and Sadie Finocchiaro traveled to America at an early age without their parents in 1949. They traveled by ship from Italy and processed at Ellis Island. Their mother Josephina was born in America and moved to Italy. It was there she met and married Salvatore Finocchiaro. After having the children the couple decided to move to America. They had problems with passage and made a decision to send the children on to America. Despite their young age, Russ, Frances and Sadie needed to work. They found work on farms in New York with the Nicotra family. The Nicotra family also farmed in Florida City where the children decided to go to after summer harvests to work on the farms during the winter. (Continued on page 4)
Dade County Farm Bureau 1850 Old Dixie Highway Homestead, Fl 33033 www.dade-agriculture.org Phone (305)246-5514 Fax (305)245-9170
Presidents Message
the manual labor. Automation is present from the first planting motion, all the way through to harvest, packaging, and shipping. Two laborers were the norm for a fifteen acre plant facility producing millions of units per year. European morning temperatures this time of year were 2 degrees Celsius. Sun intensity was much lower than we have here. European growers create the perfect environment that each plant needs with technology. Humidity, temperature, fertilizer rates, light levels, day length, all monitored by computers. They have every aspect of growing mastered and they utilize the sophisticated houses to trick ornamental plants to bloom when the grower wants them to, not when the plant normally blooms by playing with light levels. That is like having a steady crop of new Mango trees coming in bloom 12 months a year. They always have crops to sell when the market is hungry for them. They were even harvesting tomatoes 12 months a year utilizing technology. Therefore, the main lesson I came back having learned was, never quit thinking about how to improve and never say the word cant. We have better weather which is a free resource. So, rethink a few challenges and you never know, it could help your bottom line significantly. Sincerely,
Issue
1 Farm Family of the Year 2 Features and Publishers Note 3 Presidents Message 4 Cover Story: The LaRocca Family 5 Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting 6 Teena Boreks SAFFFE Movement 7 Sam & Phillys Farmers Market
Debbie Brady demonstrates how to make pumpkin pie in a bag during Growfest at the Fruit and Spice Park, October 13, 2012.
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Its November with Thanksgiving and then Christmas on the horizon. Halloween and hurricane season is behind us and agriculture in South Dade is cranking up production. There simply is not a better place on earth to spend the winter months. Coming out of the rainiest summer on record, Lake Okeechobee is full and Water Management is happy. We have many things pointing to a great growing season ahead. I am starting this newsletter out talking about the season and weather for a very good reason. I just returned from a business trip to Europe. My trip focused 11 days around two trade shows and numerous greenhouse plant breeders, vegetable production, flower producers, and plant producers. I traveled to four countries; Holland, Germany, Denmark, and Belgium. What I saw and experienced there was how to deal with the climate and resources that are available to you. I had heard prior to my trip that Europe had a highly mechanized industry due to high labor costs there. Labor costs in the U.S. are rising as well, so I observed with a new level of interest as to what I could improve and possibly mechanize. In most European greenhouse facilities, machines do 90% of
Publishers Note
The Voice of Agriculture is the quarterly publication of the Dade County Farm Bureau, Miami-Dade Countys oldest and largest agricultural organization. The Farm Bureau was established in 1942 to collectively solve agricultural issues in the regulatory, legislative, economic and social arena. For advertising or membership information please contact Debbie Brady at (305) 246-5514.
Cover Story
The LaRocca Family receiving their awards and being honored at the 70th Annual Membership Meeting.
Their parents finally arrived 3 years later to join them in 1953. Joseph and Frances both lived and worked in New York and Florida City and had not met until 1955. Ana Battiato Bono introduced the couple in New York. After months of exchanging letters by mail, Joseph proposed to Frances in December 1955 and they were married in April 1956. Over the course of the next 29 years they raised four beautiful daughters. Even in the busiest of times, Joe and Frances always found the time to spend with their family. The parents managed family vacations even in the toughest years. After his fathers retirement in 1961, Joe continued to farm in upstate New York and in Florida City, moving from the East Glades to the rocklands in the mid 1960s. Rock plowing pioneers Sam Torcise, Fred Cardillo and Frank Sapp created land that became known as the rocklands. They would travel for 2 days by car with the four girls every year, back and forth. In 1970, Joe sold his farm in New York allowing his daughters to attend a single school throughout the year. The love of family and farming kept them together. He expanded his farm operation in the mid 70s to include beans, squash and zucchini. His oldest daughter Angela began working with him in 1976. His daughter Joann took over the farm office full time in 1993. Many friendships grew over the years, and also partnering in farming with Richard Natoli and Fred Musumeci. Their friendship is still going strong today.
a farmers wife: hard work, and many thanks to God for the four beautiful daughters, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and for all that He has created.
After years of farming issues and thankful that they had survived, in May 2012 the sisters came to an important decision, they would shut down the family farm. The process of leasing land and selling the farming equipment is what they are doing this farming season. As this farming family history was being told the family was planning a trip back to Sicily to visit family. A funny ring sounded in the room, it was their computer. Joann and Frances said it was their family calling in on the computer using Skype. They were instantly chatting and laughing about the need for some American food items when they visit. A box of Kelloggs Corn Flakes was shown, Frances said yes that is it and we need an American Coffee maker too! Dade County Farm Bureau would like to wish our best to the 2012 Farm Family of the year, the LaRocca Family, as they journey into a new phase in life. We are thankful for the impact that the LaRoccas have had in the farming community and are saddened that there will be one less farming family in America.
Florida Farm Bureaus 2012 Annual Meeting offered a full agenda for participants, including seminars, business sessions, a trade show and the adoption of policies by voting delegates.
Held at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach, Oct. 24-26, the event gave the organization ample opportunity to recognize Farm Bureau members for their outstanding work throughout the year. FFB President John Hoblick expressed his appreciation for the achievements by the state board, county Farm Bureau leaders and state staff members. I cannot think of another private or public group that has both so much human talent available and the same can-do attitude, Hoblick declared during an Oct. 25 general session. Attending from Dade County Farm Bureau were: Carol and Jim Harris, Kelvin Moreno, Jessenia Rodriquez, Mark Wilson, Ray Timmons, and Debbie and Mike Brady.
Dade County Farm Bureau accolades 2012 County Recognition Program- DCFB won all five categories: Legislative/Policy Implementation, Public Relations/Information, Organization and Management, Education/Promotion and Leadership Development 2012 Presidents Award Kelvin Moreno- Winner Young Farmers and Ranchers Discussion Meet Ian Frenero- 1st runner up Youth Speech Contest Eduardo Munoz- Agent Membership Recognition Kern Alonso- 4-year-old Kern was the poster contest winner
Peter Schnebly presents Lynda Bell with the Agriculture Advocacy adward
Above: Teena Borek and her son Michael Borek inside on of their greenhouses.
Sam & Phillys is open from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. Monday - Friday The SAFFFE movement is quickly growing with many organizations making it a part of their green initiative program. Teena wishes to build awareness of this movement and keep consumers aware. Local produce carries more nutrients than produce that travels, said Teena. Once produce is picked, it stops receiving nutrients from the source plant. After days of traveling to the market, the amount of nutrients in the fruit or vegetable already begins to diminish. It \ has also been proven that fresh fruits and vegetables are much more nutritious compared to those that have been transported for a long time. Foods that are not grown locally and have to travel for days or even a week before it reaches the market lose valuable nutrients in the process. With Teenas Pride Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) you will get nothing but the freshest produce. They harvest the day before they ship so the produce retains all its nutrients. CSA is a big family that supports family farms, Teena said, A CSA can only work if the community works together. Teenas Pride CSA only sells produce grown 5 miles within the farm. There are open houses that include: a farmers market, tastings and tours. Anyone can join the CSA and pick-up fresh, local produce from one of the many pick-up locations. Teena wants people to get involved. Whether youre a farmer or consumer, keep people informed through social media. Building awareness of SAFFFE will keep all of our farmers and families safe.
Teena Borek of Teenas Pride has a lot to be proud of. For the last thirty-five years, Teena has been an active member of the Dade farming community. She is a graduate of the Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources. In 2004, Teena was named Floridas Woman of the Year in Agriculture by Commissioner of Agriculture, Charles H. Bronson. But Teena says the pride in Teenas Pride stands for the pride she has in her sons and her product. Teena said, Years ago there was no branding on vegetable boxes. Our produce looked so good and I was proud of it, so we decided to brand the boxes with Teenas Pride.
Sam and Phillys Market and U-pick is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Military receives a 10% discount.
November 9, 2012 was the grand opening of Sam and Phillys, located on 168th and 177th Avenue. You cant miss it. Its a beautiful red barn with old classic charm. The red barn is filled with delicious local vegetables, fruit, honey and baked goods. Its decorated beautifully with handmade cornhusk wreathes, bales of hay and handmade shelves. Outside the barn is a 5-acre U-pick strawberry field. One cant help but feel a part of the family when walking into the charming barn. This market was the dream of Susie Ebersole and it came together with the help of her husband, Tim Ebersole; her brother, Sam Accursio; and her parents, Sam and Philly. Susie dreamed of opening a market where she could sell local goods. Local is the way to go. Local is the freshest and the best way to get your food. It doesnt sit in the supermarket for weeks, Susie said. Sam and Phillys Market and U-pick sells all sorts of local produce, most of which is grown right on the property. There is zucchini, corn, peppers, squash, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, tomatoes and cantaloupe all grown on the property with the help of Sam Accursio. I couldnt have done it without my brother. He is such a big help, said Susie. Sam Accursios role is helping Tim Ebersole learn to grow all the vegetables himself. However, Tim Ebersole is no stranger to farming. His grandfather, Ira Ebersole, was one of the pioneering organic farmers in Homestead back in the 1940s. He developed the ugly fruit which is featured at Fruit and Spice Park. Farming is in his blood, Susie said about her husband, I couldnt have done this without my husband. We work so well together. I help him and he helps me. Putting together this market was a true family affair. The kids still have stain marks on their hands from staining the shelves, said Susie. The property is owned by her parents, Sam and Philly, which is how the market got its name. Ive had the name Sam & Phillys in my mind for 20 years, Susie said with a grin. Philly is glad to see her daughters dream come true. She comes to the market to help out behind the counter and spend time with her family. Seeing it come together, its very nice. Im happy for them, said Philly. But for Susie, this is just the beginning. They plan to offer shakes soon made with fresh fruit. Susie also wants to offer Saturday tastings, where she can teach customers how to cook with vegetables. She believes if people knew how to prepare a delicious pasta and vegetable dish, more people would enjoy eating their vegetables. Picnic tables will also be installed. The family wants their market to feel like home to their customers. Its a family friendly atmosphere for people to come and hang out. Susie is thankful her dream became a reality. God blessed us. We are closed on Sundays for this reason. That is his day. God said the land is a blessing. And our land is a blessing, she said.
These days, Teena leaves most of the farming to her son Michael Borek. Teena dedicates her time to an effort she feels so passionately about. Teena wants to Save American Family Farms From Extinction (SAFFFE). SAFFFE is a grass roots effort to save family farms. It encourages people to eat local produce. Getting South Dade families Redland produce is better for the families and farmers Teena said, We want to keep farmers SAFFE and keep consumers SAFFFE. Imported produce contains chemicals illegal in the United States. Teena believes in the use of Social Media to promote the movement. Social media will save farmers, she said. Social media sites, such as Facebook, offer a free way to gain awareness and put your products out for the public to see and share. It is important to Teena that the public becomes aware of what produce is in season locally. If they know what is in season, they will go to the grocery store and ask for local produce. If local produce was in grocery stores people wouldnt need to go to farmers markets. Family farms cant sustain their businesses off of farmers markets.
The FNGLA/DCFB Holiday Party will be held December 13, 2012 at Schneblys Winery and Brewery. Collections will be accepted for the Farm Worker Children Toy Drive distribution. Last year 170 families received toys and we hope to provide even more families with toys this year. Donations for the toy distribution will be collected December 1 through 16 from each organization. Donations must be unwrapped toys for girls and boys.
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Community Corner
Events Calendar
November 16-18, 2012 Nascar Races November 24, 2012 FNGLA Gives back November 28, 2012 Burrs Berry Farm Reopens December 4, 2012 Board of Directors Meeting December 13, 2012 FNGLA/DCFB Holiday Party All Members Invited! Visit dade-agriculture.org for all
Board of Directors
George Butler, III, President Ivonne Alexander, President Elect Phil Marraccini, Secretary Kelvin Moreno, Treasurer Gary Bird Robbie Bishop Teena Borek Kern Carpenter Leonard Cavallaro Angela DelliVeneri Larry Dunagan, Past President Robert Epling Sal Finocchiaro Jerry Frye Steve Greer David Hanck Steve Hoveland David Kaplan Bill Losner Robert Martens Robert McMillan Steven Meeks Robert Moehling Alice Pena, Past President Herb Pierson Tom Rieder Diego Rodriguez Peter Schnebly Erik Tietig Tom Vick Mark Wilson, State Director George Cooper, Director Emeritus John Fredrick, Director Emeritus Kenneth Graves, Director Emeritus Vito Strano, Director Emeritus
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Dade County Farm Bureau Member Services Staff Katie Edwards, Former Executive Director of Dade County Farm Bureau was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, District 98. We are all very proud of her!
Ray N. Timmons, Agency Manager Hal Arve, Jr., Agent Dawn L. Baird, Agent Judith M. Fernandez, Office Manager Ronald D. Herbert, Agent Theresa Smith, Associate Director Debbie Brady, Executive Director Donna Alfaro, Receptionist Hilda G. Davila, CSR Eddy Munoz, Agent Sonia Perez, Executive Assistant Elena Serna, CSR